FBBH 66 (Patreon)

Fate/Bonds Beyond Humanity

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66- Sharing the Stage

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Sona wasn’t approached or bothered as she moved around the hall to try and find somewhere she could be alone for a minute and gather her thoughts. Not necessarily easy since the place was pretty full and people moved around to find friends or to the dance floor now that the main event was over.

She ended up making her way to a balcony mostly empty due to its distance from the tables. It was the sort of palace lovers may find themselves in later but suited Sona’s purposes just fine as she just wanted somewhere to think. That and also the devils who were there first didn’t hesitate to leave upon seeing who she was.

‘Is this either from disgust or anger? Perhaps both?’ Sona knew she wasn’t being fair as some looked at her with curiosity and intrigue, mostly leaving because their friends and partners were departing first. ‘Either way I suppose I didn’t help my case back there. I can’t believe I let someone like Zephirdor get under my skin.’

She hit the stone railing while holding back a grunt of frustration. The whole presentation played in her mind several times, especially the moment she made her worst mistake of the night.

“‘Power is not everything’. I must be an idiot to say that in a room full of devils.”

A voice almost made the Heiress jump. “I wouldn’t say that.” Only for her to realize it was Rias’ approaching with a smile and two glasses of wine. “Not an idiot but passionate. The proud Heiress of the Sitri.” Gentle she put a glass on the railing and leaned it forward to her friend before taking a sip of her own. “If anyone calls you anything but that then you have my permission to punch them in the face.”

“How generous of you…” Sona glanced at the glass for a moment.

A moment too long in Rias’ opinion. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell a soul.” She finished her own glass and placed it down, waiting for her friend. “Or do you just want to talk?”

Sona let out a sigh. “There is nothing to talk about. What happened, happened.” She then threw her friend a glare. “Shouldn’t you be more worried about yourself?”

“You think I don’t?” Asked the redhead with a raised eyebrow. “Sona, before deciding to play the part I thought long and hard about every risk and reward. Not for me, mind you, for my loved ones.”

“Yet you still picked a fight.”

“So did you.” Rias reminded her oldest friend with a playful smile. “But while you lost control over your emotions, I used mine as a weapon. Both their presence,” her eyes grew cold and Sona felt unnerved, “as well as their abstinence.” The Heiress of Gremory smile returned with a hint of danger in it. “Besides, we don’t need to fight alone, we have friends to help. All you need to do is ask.”

“This is my dream, my fight.” Heiress Sitri stated with conviction.

She was surprised when Rias nodded. “I won’t fight for you if you don’t want to but I can help.”

Curiosity began to take hold of Sona. “Yeah, how so?”

An impish smile showed itself as Rias’ finger tapped her cheek. “For instance… Do you want me to throw the match?”

“What?!!” Shaking her head, Sona took a deep breath to compose herself. “Sorry, I think I misheard you, can you repeat that?”

Rias chuckled but did as requested. “Do you want me to throw the match for you?” She saw her friend look at her glass of wine. “No, you didn’t drink it yet. You should be the way, to help soothe the nerves.”

Considering what she heard Sona was giving it some serious thought. “Rias… Did you just-”

“Yes, you heard it right.” Turning to her friend the Heiress of Gremory gave her a serious and sympathetic look. “Do you want me to throw our game?”

“But- What-” Again Sona needed a pause, looking at the wine and feeling rather parched. “You can’t-”

“It isn’t that hard. Just tell my peerage to not go all out, a mistake of positioning here and you can take me out.” Rias made a gun with her finger and shot her own head. “We can coordinate if you want or-”

“Are you mad? Neither of us is in position to give up Rating Games like that.” Sona said with passion, looking around to make sure they were completely alone. “This is our introduction to devil society proper and the tournament is far more important than you realize.”

Rias paused, watching her friend for a moment before giggling. “My, my, Sona. I assure you, I know how important all of this is.” Her smile was so beautiful that the black haired girl couldn’t help but flush. “Do you?” Then the redhead looked to the purple skies and let out a sigh. “I miss the sky from Earth. Stars are better than this.”

“Anything is better than nothing.” Sona said hesitantly before grasping her glass of wine. “Why are you offering me an easy win?”

“Because you can’t beat me~” Rias said playfully, without any sort of malice.

It was said with such a peace of spirit, and tone of teasing, that Sona couldn’t even be upset. While that was true from Rias’ point of view it wasn’t like she was trying to rub the fact on her face or pick a fight.

Drinking all her wine at once, the Sitri Heiress turned to the Gremory with a glare. “I can and I will.”

“Oho~ will you. Then stop feeling pity for yourself.” Rias kept smiling, making Sona blush again. To not get caught the short haired girl looked to the side as her friend continued. “Still, if you want me to-”

“Stop it. Don’t just…” Sona studied her friend’s face for a moment before sighing. “You are serious.”

“Deadly.” Rias leaned her back on the railing and started to watch the party.

Playing with her empty glass, Sona tried to brush what was being offered aside. “Shouldn’t you be with Shirou or someone from your peerage?”

“My mother has plans for him for the next few hours. As things are going we will probably only share a dance later in the night.” There was exasperation in her tone. “Well, not like I didn’t see that coming. If anything I blame Ajuka for our predicament.”

Already annoyed by her friend’s attitude, Sona lost her patience. “Rias, please, stop playing around. Offering to throw the Youth Devil Gathering’s Tournament is just-”

“Woah, woah. Who said anything about throwing the tournament?” Upon receiving a look of confusion Rias laughed. “Sona, giving you a win isn’t a problem.”

“This is our future we are talking about.” She wanted to shake her friend by the shoulders but somehow managed to hold back.

“And after losing to you I will win every match and everyone is going to say ‘how brilliant Sona was for giving Rias Gremory her only defeat’.” Disbelief reflected on Sona’s eyes and Rias chuckled. “What? You think I am giving you the whole tournament? It is only a match and you still have to beat everyone else. You better do it or it will look ugly for both of us.”

“But I-”

Interrupting her friend was easy with how confused she was. “Sona, I already did the math.” When the black haired girl’s eyes grew wide, she shrugged. “While the tournament is going on we are going to spend most of our time on Earth. There we aren’t going to be either attacked or harassed so you don’t need to worry about me.” She waved in her friend’s direction. “And if you defeat me, someone who dared ‘spit’ on our traditions as some of my most vocal critics are already calling it then you will benefit a ton from it, maybe even more than winning the whole tournament. People will have to listen to you because your power will prove you right.”

Still watching her friend with disbelief, Sona needed a moment to think about everything that was being presented to her.

Unfortunately Rias wasn’t going to give that time for free. “Besides, I don't need them. I don’t even need this tournament and will only partake because it sounds fun.”

“‘Sounds fun’? What about-”

“The Gremory? You think my Clan cares after the shitstorm Lakmia left for us.” A growl of fury escaped her throat but Rias buried the emotion a moment later. “Losing to you will damage my image, that is true. ‘More bark than bite’, they will say. Bah, let them.” Her smile returned in full. “It will make me the underdog and take away Ravel’s advantage.”

“Don’t downplay this, Rias.” It was Sona’s turn to growl in anger. “You know it is going to be worse than just losing face or being called names. Even if the Gremory Clan doesn’t care, you aren’t Lady yet. You aren’t your Clan yet.” Reminded the other Heiress with concern. “Lowering your standing will harm you in the end, especially if you insist on playing the rebel.”

“But I will do it for you.” Those words filled Sona’s chest with warmth. “Seek failed to show up and Ravel is after me. Until I put her in her place, who knows how many of my friends that Fried Chicken is going to harm in her attempt of revenge.”

“I can defend myself just fine.” Mana flowed in Sona’s hand and a bright magic circle revealed itself. “Both in and out of the political arena. Don’t underestimate me, Rias. Better yet, do so and I will win against you by my own merit.” Closing her fist the Sitri Heiress threw a weak punch that stopped just short of her friend’s face. An elegant eyebrow was raised by the redhead as she met her friend’s eyes. “And you can bet your peerage is going down.”

“That so?” Rias asked calmly. “Good. Can’t wait for our match then. Don’t worry, I promise no monologues or victory speeches.”

“I, on the other hand, will do a speech.” That surprised Rias and Sona took the moment to step back. “There are many things I want to say so I will have two, one for when I beat you and another for when I win the tournament.” She smiled confidently. “Much has changed, Rias. Even if your peerage was stronger before, we have the power of heroes by our side.”

“The power of- For the love of Medusa don’t tell me you got a Noble Phantasm.” The smile on her friend’s face said it all. “Great. Two Rating Games and two Noble Phantasms. Totally fair.”

“Can’t complain when you have the Mage of Swords by your side~” Sona knew she was giving up some of her advantage but she never gave a number. She would also argue that Rias’ shocked face was priceless. “You better come at me with all you got. Also, never offer to give me the win again. A victory like that is worthless.”

Taking a moment to watch her friend’s face once more, Rias nodded in agreement before standing face to face with her. The redhead was slightly taller before but only then did both notice the difference had increased by a centimeter or two.

“The heels?”

“You are using a pair too~” Rias replied playfully before her expression turned serious. “You don’t need to worry about anything, Sona. We are going to give you as good as you can take. But do me a favor,” grasping her friend’s hand, she massaged it tenderly. “Ignore what the people say and focus on proving your point. Change is hard but all you have to do is show results and they will respect you.”

A gentle smile grew in Sona’s lips as she realized Rias truly believed in her. “It will be hard but I will do it for our friendship. A pity, I was already planning to drown this Zephyrdor the first change I got.”

“Not until I have my boys beat him to a pulp.” The two young women laughed and relaxed fully intending to keep their promise.

While they still had many other concerns when it came to their rivalry they made peace and were ready to give all they had to see victory against one another.

“Seriously, since when did you grow so mature? Since when did I grow so immature?” Sona couldn’t help but ask. “Losing control of my emotions, letting a replacement get under my skin, losing sight of what I can do and how much better things will be once you all see what we are capable of.” Shaking her head she laughed bitterly as Rias watched. “Thanks for coming.”

“... I think it is because you haven’t done your rite of passage just yet.” Sona raised an eyebrow and Rias pointed her thumb towards the gathering. “This? This isn’t it. All this can ever be is a party or a celebration of adulthood in the broad sense but not what really makes one an adult. And no, it isn’t about having sex or not, it is about what you face to preserve your way of life.”

“We both fought Kokabiel. I didn’t run nor retreat and held him back until you arrived.” A generous interpretation and both knew it but both were willing to accept that as truth.

“When I say way of life I am not talking about life itself but how you live it. Otherwise it is just surviving.” Rias looked at the sky again, leaning forward on the railing. “In my opinion my rite to adulthood was against Riser. That was when I could have chosen to fold, live how others saw fit and just be content with it… We both know I refused.” Her beautiful smile shone like a star in the empty sky. “I chose to fight, to seize what I really wanted; freedom. The freedom to live life how I want and chase my happiness. That is the real rite of adulthood, not when you fight for your life which everyone does in the right conditions but when you fight for how you want to live.”

“Isn’t that just fighting to preserve how things are? Like them?” Sona asked, her eyes staring at the party as the two went mostly ignored.

Devils wanted nothing with them, magicians saw them as a risk, diplomats and guests from the outside would indulge the two if asked but their focus was on the active players of the game.

Not the future ones when that future could be somewhere between a century or millenia if peace lasts.

“And that, Sona, where compromise is necessary. From both parties.” Rias said with mirth. “All you need to do now is show them what you can do. Easy.”

Not easy at all but exactly what Sona wanted. “That is what this tournament is for. I am going to crush everyone in it. Including you.”

A giggle escaped Rias. “That is the spirit.” She was proud of her friend and ready for their match. “And with that… My offer is officially off the table.”

“You really would have done it.” Sona finally started to believe.

“Of course. This is more important for you, after all. Since you aren’t winning, we better put up a good show.” Rias declared with conviction. “My peerage will go all out with everything we have.”

“And we will match it. No, we will surpass it.” Sona replied as the two settled all with a firm handshake. “Good luck in our match, Rias.”

“You too, Sona.”

The two relaxed again with the air clear between them. For a moment everything was quiet as they enjoyed each other’s company after a month apart. Their match would happen, they would give their everything and no matter who won there would be no hard feelings.

“Should we count the winner of the Rating Game in our usual score?” Rias asked playfully.

Making Sona smile and reply in a more blunt but similar tone. “Sure, I have no problems increasing my lead.”

“Oh you can bet I will-”

“Buchou!!” The banter was cut off and both purebloods turned to a shaking Koneko who just arrived at the scene.

Immediately Rias raced to her Rook and kneeled to make sure they were eye to eye. “Koneko, did something happen?”

Sona observed as she approached at a calmer pace that the little girl was sweating a lot besides shaking like a tree under a strong storm. Some of her hair looked disheveled and never before had the Sitri had seen Koneko in such a state.

On the other hand Rias had throughout the years, mostly after the girl had a nightmare of some sort. “I can’t help if you don’t tell me what is wrong, Koneko.”

Gulping hard the white haired nekomata nodded slowly while her eyes jumped around. “Buchou… My sister is here.” Wide eyes from both pureblood devils showed they knew exactly who she was talking about. “And I- I need… I need to go meet her.”

“Koneko she is-”

“Please, Buchou.” Rare were the times Rias saw so much emotion in Koneko’s face or voice and unfortunately all of them told the King of Gremory how bad the situation was. “I shouldn’t- She is- I just don’t want to go alone.”

After all they went through and knowing how much her friends and new family cared for her, the first thing Koneko did once she decided to confront Kuroka was finding the person that had been there to pick up the pieces from the beginning.

Logic dictated that Rias wouldn’t let her go, that she would call the guards and have them hunt Kuroka or at the very least chase her as far away from the Underworld as possible just to be safe.

Except that logic wasn’t Rias Gremory's first prerogative. “Are you sure?” At a small nod the King smiled and patted the little Rook’s head. “Do you want to call the others?”

“You can’t be considering this.” Sona interrupted with some anger. “Kuroka the Stray Nekomata didn’t just kill her King. Over the years she decimated several devils who hunted her, some peerages had no survivors.”

“Doesn’t matter. Koneko wants to see her sister.” Rias stood up and took the girl’s hand.

Already realizing her oldest friend wasn’t going to listen, Sona was forced to change tactics. “Then let's call our siblings-”

“I don’t want anyone to get hurt.” Koneko interrupted softly. “And Kuroka-neechan will run if she can’t fight.”

Rias nodded in agreement. “Then she will show up later, when Koneko is alone or worse, with someone who can be easily disposed of.” She saw the girl shake but neither could deny the possibility. “So we better go and see her.”

“We really should warn everyone else. There are ways-”

“Living in fear, isn’t living at all, Sona.” Rias said firmly upon seeing the resolve in Koneko's eyes.

“Buchou.” Koneko managed to smile in thanks and Rias easily reciprocated.

Confronting a criminal of Kuroka’s level was insanity in the black haired Heiress mind and an even tougher request when there were hundreds of people around they could get help but weren’t going to just because the small girl wanted to confront her sister.

‘It isn’t her life she is risking but Rias’. At least if Kuroka is sane again.’ Which was a whole different proposition that made Sona even more worried. “Wait!” She called just as the two opened their wings. “I am going with you.”

“Are you sure?” Rias asked with concern as she felt Koneko’s grip in her hand grow tighter. “You said it yourself; this is going to be dangerous.”

“Which is why I am going. Three against one are good odds.” Considering Kuroka defeated worse odds in the past, that was a terrible lie.

Rias noticed it but chose to not say anything. “Then let's get going. We have a cat to fetch.”

‘I should have drunk more for this.’ Sona couldn't help but think as every fiber of her being hopped everything could be settled without violence.

While they followed Koneko’s lead deeper into the woods, Sona didn’t dare to voice her thoughts because she knew the truth.

It was just wishful thinking and she could only hope Kuroka was sane enough to spare her and Rias.

…

When the main show had ended Rias and Sairaorg quickly made their way back to the table but the redhead just stayed for a moment to inform her lover that she was going to go after Sona as her friend needed some company.

Something that everyone would agree with both Tsubaki and Olga ready to go look for her with Rias only for the redhead to stop them with a smile, saying that she knew exactly what to do to cheer Sona up but would prefer to do so in private.

With that the Heiress of Gremory left with two glasses of wine and a playful grin that had Shirou chuckling. “Don’t worry. Those two know each other too well for this to not work.”

Tsubaki responded with a smile of her own. “I know. But I also know what Kaichou’s problem is…” All stopped to look at her except Olga who played with her hair. “After Kokabiel things were… Tough to say the least.”

“Sorry about that again.” Azazel was quick to say with a sad look. “PTSD?”

“Not as bad but close enough.” The Queen of Sitri admitted with worry. “That was the first time that we were so overwhelmed against an enemy like that.”

“That your lives had really been on the line.” Xenovia commented in acknowledgement. By the time she arrived their fight was mostly done but she recognized the signs of destruction and remembered the Cadre’s power. “Before you guys just fought Strays, right?”

“Pretty much. Not that any of them had been necessarily weak but we always had Kaichou… Sona backing us up. With her plans and power.”

Sairaorg watched the interaction in silence but his mind was racing trying to imagine the kind of adversary that Kokabiel had been. He tried to use Azazel as a base but the man was good at hiding his power.

In the end the only way to get a clear picture was to ask, “How strong was he?”

“Overwhelmingly strong.” Tsubaki said first.

“Too powerful for his own good.” Xenovia said next, crossing her arms and leaning on one leg. “Every moment we fought he could just blow up the whole school with me in it but he decided to play around. Not that I could capitalize much, even with Durandal.”

A chuckling Azazel was happy to add. “Between the two of us I was always the stronger one.”

“I believe it.”

“Fortunately he wasn’t the strongest person in Fuyuki at the time.” Shirou was happy to remind them which earned curious looks from the Bael Clan’s members and Olga. “You guys don’t know who defeated Kokabiel?” The shaking of heads was the answer.

Olga clarified for him while looking at Tsubaki. “I think Sona said it was one of Kyoto’s Kings.”

“Shihouin Yoruichi, the Goddess of the Flash.” Azazel messed with Shirou’s hair, getting a glare for his troubles. “Fortunately for everyone, our resident cook is so good that she drops by his home every now and then.”

“More than that- Ow.” Xenovia said under her breath and Liz hit her for it.

For the first time Shirou was glad for the violent manner to get attention and nodded in thanks. “Anyway she had Kokabiel in the ropes and he couldn’t do anything about it.”

“Cool. Does she still drop around?” Sairaorg asked, Kuisha sighing as she knew where that was going. “I would love to get a spar against someone like that.”

“Ah great, another battle maniac.” Azazel then stood up, fixed his suit. “Well younglings, I will be going. Bridges to build, relationships to improve. Work to be done.” The man departed and in a second he was already lost in the crowd.

Shirou, Liz and Xenovia looked at each other before throwing Sairaorg a look with the swordswoman replying, “She goes there for food and for- Ow! Why?”

“You know why.” Leysritt's reply was so vague that Xenovia didn’t get it.

But Shirou was grateful nonetheless as it bought him time. “You could ask but she is kinda like a stray cat. Shows up whenever she wants, eats, stays for the night, then goes back to Kyoto.”

And that was all he was willing to say about it, he wasn’t going to describe anything else no matter what anyone asked and was forever grateful that Liz valued his privacy enough to keep Xenovia distracted.

“Hmm. A pity then.” The Bael Heir concluded after some thought.

“Milord, you do remember she is one extremely important politician back in her country, correct? Perhaps not in power but her position indicates a rank as high as Lord Lucifer.” His Queen pointed out basically reading his thoughts.

“I swear I will never understand people who love fighting.” Olga commented while playing with a small bowl of ice cream. “Sure you can’t like violence that much.”

“It is not about violence but improving oneself.” Sairaorg replied proudly.

“A bit of pain is good sometimes.” All eyes landed on Xenovia who raised an eyebrow. “What?”

Shirou shook his head and said. “Both are right. Getting the adrenaline pumping, facing off against someone you can test yourself… It isn’t that different from any sport so long both sides can walk away.”

“Almost never when there is something tangible in the line.” Olga commented and while some were willing to disagree they decided to stay silent and let it go. “But still… I don’t think I can ever suffer injuries unless they are absolutely necessary.”

“But they are necessary.”

“... You never saw people fighting for sport, did you?” Xenovia realized before anyone else and the question made Olga frown. “Hah, I was- Ow. What now?”

“She is a guest, we’re guards.” Didn’t stop Liz from eating something from time to time when she thought no one was looking but Shirou was well aware she had a plate half full on a table behind them.

“Tch.” Xenovia certainly didn’t notice and blamed herself for getting too comfortable.

“Wait to watch Kaichou and Buchou’s Rating Game then.” Said Tsubaki with a smile. “I had the same opinion as you once but I can’t deny a good spar can be fun. And when those two are in a game…”

“Shouldn't you include yourself in that statement?” Shirou asked with a smirk. “I certainly remember you going all out when involved with Akeno. Does ‘tennis match’ ring any bells?” The long haired beauty fixed her glasses with a flush as Sairaorg laughed. “Either way Rating Games are a safe way to fight and can be quite fun.”

“If you say so…” Olga would reserve her judgment for after the match. ‘If anything I will be happy with just a safe environment to test my Noble Phantasms.’

Sparring was one thing but even if she wasn’t a fighter the Animusphere knew that the only way to truly test something’s limits was with stress and a Rating Game was one of if not the best place to do it.

‘Rias is also a more than adequate opponent.’ Her eyes landed on Shirou who was trying to convince his guards to sit at the table. ‘He had months to study a Noble Phantasm but it was a single one. No, half of one. They have no chance.’

A few moments more of small talk passed before Grayfia approached their table quietly. “Shirou-sama, it is time.” The redhead couldn’t help but sigh.

“Time for what?” Asked a curious Sairaorg, a feeling everyone who hadn’t been in the Gremory Castle over the last week shared.

“Time for work, that is what.” He got up and turned to the armored ladies accompanying him. “You two don’t need to come for this. Sit down, relax a little.”

Before either Liz or Xenovia could reply, Grayfia spoke. “While there is nothing to worry about since our own security is in the area two more guards won’t be hurt.”

“Can you please not indulge them?”

“This humble maid knows not what you are talking about, Shirou-sama.” She did and everyone at the table knew it. But nobody was going to call her out. “Nevertheless I am sure both Lady Rias and your mother told me on separate occasions that you like to bring smiles to people. That is your mission for the night.”

With his friends staring at him there was little that Shirou could do to escape. “Tsk. You guys didn’t even give me a chance to look at the thing and I will already have to play it. I can’t promise to get everything right on the first try.”

Xenovia looked to the side and held back her laugh which confused the ones in the table but before they could ask what exactly was going on Lucifer’s Queen revealed a smile of her own which surprised Sairaorg to no end.

Grayfia's reply didn’t inspire the Mage with any confidence. “That is also part of the show.”

“Because of course it does.” He had already agreed to do it anyway so accepting Reality wasn’t hard. “Hope you guys like music and that I can deliver a decent performance.”

“Oh, I didn't know you played, Emiya-kun.” Tsubaki commented with a smile of her own.

“It is a… Recent development… A week old to be exact.” That gave everyone pause. “Also didn’t I tell you to call me Shirou?”

Olga glared at the carefree Mage. “Don’t change the subject, Emiya. What business do you have playing an instrument after a week of practice? Are you a musical genius too?”

“Hahahahahaha!!” Shirou let free a good and honest laugh as Xenovia held back her own and Liz’s lips revealed her happiness. “Me? A genius? Of music even? Hahaha! Oh, oh. That is just so funny. I think I am crying.” After taking a deep breath the redhead began to depart with the three women. “Magi like us can cheat years of music lessons with a simple spell. You can do it too, if you want.”

Shirou chuckled at her look of confusion as they began to leave and Xenovia couldn’t help but show everyone the huge smile on her face. Even Grayfia couldn’t help it as the Mage was telling the truth while playing around with it. Structural Analysis was a spell every magus learned sooner or later but his level was just too high for most.

Nonetheless he had no time to explain as Grayfia guided the three towards the center of the room where the band was still playing with all manners of instruments but a special stage had been positioned to its side and Shirou didn’t need to be a genius to know it was for him.

“Here we are. I will leave you all to the one in charge of the show.” Grayfia bowed and departed as some devils watched them before going back to whatever they were doing.

Which was using magic to assemble the stage silently so as to not disrupt the guests and allow the party to go on without interruption. Previously that area was part of the dance floor but that had been completely taken over as the stage was as big as the band’s.

And it was for him but he shouldn't be surprised, not with Venelana coordinating the final preparations. She wasn’t using magic, just instructed the others how she wanted the stage set, not hard as the workers were skilled and she didn’t demand much.

Didn’t take long for her to notice the trio approaching and smile. “Good, you are here. And with a proper guard. Half of me expected you to ditch them at the first opportunity.” Shirou gave her a blunt stare and she giggled. “Where is my daughter? She was so excited to not miss the show.”

“Sona needed some cheering and Rias was happy to take the job.” A look of sadness crossed Venelana’s face.

“She is, isn’t she? Such a mess...”

“Just Sona or-”

“The whole of it.” Venelana looked around prompting Shirou and Xenovia to do the same. “I don’t think our Clan has ever been this unpopular.”

“Why?” The bluehead asked what the Mage was thinking. “They aren’t glaring or anything.”

Lady Gremory shook her head and replied, “Anger, fear, confusion, all those emotions are pouring over the room.” She focused on Liz who was far more attentive. “You two are not used to the political arena but she is.”

“Liz?” She instantly knew what Shirou was asking.

“Micro expressions and some other minor actions.” Was all the explanation she was going to give.

Which Venelana found enough. “No need to worry. Rias found an audience but until she proves herself they are a minority. For both of them.” At that the Lady sighed. “But Sona’s situation is far more complicated. What will even be the first steps to build a school for devils? How long is it going to take for one to graduate? What to teach and who is going to be teaching?” Shaking her head the older woman sighed. “Also what should be done to those who have sacred gears or other weapons? How to implement those with their magic? With their imagination?”

Hearing questions like those made Shirou, Xenovia and Liz realize the sort of challenge that Sona would have to face as well as how devils themselves didn’t know how the situation would turn out.

It wasn’t that every single one of them was against the idea but using magic for most of them was instinctual and their Powers were something only the Clans shared. Not only that but since most of their magic was bound to their imagination made things far more difficult.

All of that just showed the magnitude of what Sona was actually proposing; her dream couldn’t just be a school but something that could teach without guidelines, formulas or any science, neither loose or exact.

Such a school wouldn't need to just adapt to the students’ personalities but each and every student but also create a curriculum that somehow managed to be relevant to each and every one of them.

A titanic task that went far beyond a normal school but not one either of them doubted Sona wasn’t aware of.

“Either way if my daughter is helping her she is going to miss your recital~”

Then Venelana brought everyone back to the present and Shirou chuckled. “So, where is the instrument of my destruction?”

“Do you need to call it that?” Asked the Lady in good humor.

However Xenovia asked the more important question. “What is it? I am betting on a piano. You made Master practice that one a lot.”

“Oh~ a good guess.” Venelana commented with a giggle before turning back to the Mage. “Hmm~ I wonder what your mother will think when she sees it.”

“I am sorry, ‘sees it’?” Dread filled Shirou in an instant.

“Of course! I would never forgive myself if I didn’t record an absent mother her son’s first recital.” The Lady motioned to the side and only then the redhead saw several cameras that looked a little too bulky to be modern. But they were cameras nonetheless. “I know what you are thinking; twelve cameras are not enough to capture every detail but unfortunately that was all the equipment we could fit here.”

“No, that absolutely wasn’t what I was thinking.” Taking a deep breath he managed to calm himself. It also helped that Liz was patting his back in sympathy. “Let's just get this over with.”

Yet Venelana wasn’t done. “Oh but what I could do with a more portable setup. If I could just make Humanity’s equipment work with our system.” A hand on her cheek she shook her head in lament. “Just thinking about the angles and the lights and-”

“Venelana, piano, now.” Shirou really wanted to move on and get it over swiftly.

Which just made the older woman giggle. “Sure, sure~” While waving for him to calm down. “You just need to be patient, Shirou. Such an instrument needs to be transported with care. It is priceless, after all.” She was teasing him but there was nothing that he could do. The Lady wasn’t telling a single lie. “Speaking of which, there it is.”

An armed scout of eight men drew a lot of attention but no more so than the small piano behind them emitting so much mana that Liz couldn’t help but ask, “Bomb?”

“No dear. Just well preserved.”

They could believe as everyone in the room could feel the mana pulsing from the thing as hundreds of spells were waved on it. Most of them were for protection and preservation but in such quantity that Liz's question made more than sense. Hundreds of spells and an absurd quantity of mana enveloped the instrument like a cloak.

Modest, small, simple, with all keys necessary to be a piano but utilitarian in design and size. Unlike the one back at the Gremory Castle, that one could barely occupy any space and was the sort of piano one would find close to a wall in an old fashioned saloon.

The thing was almost entirely made of black wood except its keys and pedals as far as the eye could see. With the numerous spells waved in it there was no need to repaint or replace the parts so every part of it was original in every sense which made it priceless as the pureblood devil had said.

Pushed on a cart of metal it was still barely as tall as Shirou which made him wonder, “Why is that piano so special?”

Venelana looked at him with mocking disappointment. “Shirou, Shirou, Shirou, you seem to forget that weapons aren’t the only thing passed down through History.”

An answer that just gave rise to another question. “Who owned that piano then?” Perhaps the spells on it were giving off sort of an effect because his nose was twitching like mad.

And it wasn’t just him as several eyes, especially magicians’, refused to leave the object devils were treating with so much reverence and care. There was something about it that went beyond the spells to protect it somehow, the redhead just knew it.

The Mage had been trying to use Structural Analysis on the piano for a while but it was in vain. Since it wasn’t a weapon his Reality Marble was having all sorts of difficulties and that wasn’t even counting the spells woven in it. There were just so many and so many that it was like he was trying to see through a blindfold.

Yet a distinct feeling remained.

“From a great musician, obviously.” Venelana’s voice snapped him from his thoughts, a playful grin in his face before it grew a serious look. “Rias may have stirred the hornet’s nest a bit too much, it is up to us to calm it down a little.”

‘So that is what this is about… We are here to show our value with action as Rias already did with words.’ A different sort of value but value nonetheless. ‘No pressure…’ He took a deep breath and hoped the spells cloaking the piano didn’t interfere with his magecraft.

That would be really embarrassing.

Carefully the piano was placed on the stage’s center, a small bench with a velvet pillow just in front of him and Shirou moved to sit down to begin what he feared would be a harrowing experience.

Only to be stopped by Venelana. “Just a moment, Shirou. We need to introduce you. You two stand on the sides for us. Yes, that is it. Smile for the cameras and keep people away, not that our usual guards will fail but the Mage of Swords having his own security will increase his reputation.” After making sure Liz and Xenovia were in a proper position, she dragged the redhead a little farther from the piano. “No peeking~” Then she turned to the audience who had noticed the building of the stage and piano covered with enough mana to take the castle down. “Friends and fellows, today the Gremory Clan has a treat for you. A treat for your ears born of a discovery in magecraft.”

That would get any magician curious and any remaining conversation ceased as everyone paid attention to the woman.

Her lovely smile grew and she moved around dramatically. “A treat to the ears, a treat from History. Many artists made their name through the ages and how much the World cried upon their passing. Be their saints or sinners, be they painters or singers, we miss all of them.” A little more theater to make sure people were paying attention. “But today we have the opportunity of hearing one of such departed talents. No, Heaven didn’t open its gates and there is a good chance that man isn’t there. He was quite vulgar for those who remembered him.”

A few laughs, most from devils, showed she was correct. He was remembered fondly by the smiles and cheer from the crowd.

Now they were excited and Shirou was nervous as he really wanted to touch the piano to get his bearings so he didn’t make a fool of himself. ‘Do we always need drama?’

Almost like she heard his thoughts, Venelana moved on. “Structural Analysis is a basic spell, a spell any magician can learn even if a spellcaster needs to adapt their methods a little. But what happens when someone takes something basic and elevates it to their utmost limit.” Waving towards Shirou gracefully she concluded, “Today we shall have a concerto, one of which not even the Mage himself wasn’t prepared for. In fact he doesn’t even know to whom that piano belonged, the genius he is about to replicate with magecraft alone.”

If that was giving him some cover or hyping him up Shirou didn’t know but he could see a lot of people interested, some of them his friends, others strangers he never met and never will.

But all eyes were on him as they wondered if such a thing could truly be replicated and if a basic spell was actually more deep than anyone else understood. Something that everyone knew throughout their whole lives, passed from generation to generation and yet never really explored.

‘And if that was the case for one spell then what about the others?’  Was on several magicians’ minds as they silently agreed with everything Venelana said.

A new door of research was about to be open as long as Shirou didn’t fumble it. He just hoped that someone would actually reproduce similar results without a Reality Marble.

“The man who I am talking about was once known as the Child Beloved By God, something we certainly find funny since we were always fans of his work.” Venelana started the introduction. “Then again, angels now walk in the Underworld.” She waved to Michael and Caren who waved cheerfully. Close to them were Medusa and Akeno, both smiling and nodding in approval. “Old enemies grew into allies and we share the same taste for music. The music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart!”

Applause, expectant, respectful and booming applause filled the whole Castle. Joyful, there wasn’t a single person in the room who wasn’t looking forward to it.

“See, my High Priestess.” Medusa’s voice reached Akeno’s ears easily despite the loud crowd still going strong. “This is the power of music, of an idol. And one day they will do the same for you.”

That did make Akeno considerably nervous. ‘I don’t think it is fair to compare anyone to Mozart like that.’

Back at the center of the room Venelana raised her hands to request silence. “As we are all set…” No one dared to interrupt. “Shirou, the Magician of Gremory.”

Another round of applause and the redhead had watched enough TV to know it was his cue to sit down and play. Or at least try as he didn’t know if the spells woven in the piano could stop him or not.

‘It isn’t like any of those is to hide the thing, just to protect it. So long as I don’t push too much mana it is going to be fine. Still, Mozart’s piano…’ Carefully, extremely carefully, he placed his hands on the instrument. There was some wonder and confusion. ‘How someone so famous had a piano so simple.’

Someone coughed in the audience and Shirou turned to look at the man only to notice that everybody was glaring at the individual. Ever since Mozart’s death they haven’t heard the genius’ music in such a direct fashion. People learned how to play it, sure, but Shirou playing it would be like if Mozart himself was there.

After the man was properly and silently chastised, every eye turned back to Shirou. His circuits grew warm when he felt the information in the piano enter his mind.

Blond with pale hair and skin, the man was dressed in purple and green. He looked sick, hagged and tired beyond belief. But he still worked without missing a beat.

Once he was handsome, still was to an extent even if his cheeks were sunken, his body falling apart and the energy sapped for anything other than his work as his soul kept burning bright.

“You are sick.” A ghost in the shape of a woman said.

“I was poisoned.” He shot back, hands on the piano as his work was the only thing keeping him going.

A work he took upon himself. A symphony for the end of his story.

Several figures tried to calm him down and get him to rest as his body grew weaker. His wife whose face the piano didn’t show was there almost every day but just a blur. So were his old friends and even a teacher who cared more than any other.

“You are so talented.” Said the teacher once, the man still focusing on every key of his last instrument. “But if you don’t take care of your body then it will all go to waste.”

“Yes, I shall die. I can feel him getting closer and closer.” Told the man to his mentor.

“‘Him’? The one you say poisoned you?”

“No.” Was the only reply before the man got lost in his music.

Then Shirou saw a memory that was both in the piano and at the same time it was not, like he himself was remembering the interaction. Like he was the one standing behind the man, his face of an older gentleman with a kind expression that hid something the redhead never saw in himself.

The unknown man with a supernatural presence said. “I can save you.” The offer was genuine and Mozart, for the first time in what felt a lifetime longer than his whole existence, stopped working in his music. “You and I… We have a certain… Compatibility, you could say.” He knew the musician was listening, his tone true and the offer genuine. “A part of me and all of you. We both can live.”

“You are also dying?”

“No and yes.” No lie, the creature, for clearly it wasn’t human, refused to lie. Not to someone he could share a bond and survive. “My existence is damaged much like your body but unlike you I won’t die. Until the time is ripe and I have a better body than this borrowed carcass, one with enough space for all my souls, I will decay and be weak. In this state I can be easily killed but time alone won’t kill me, no.”

Placing the incomplete sheet of music down the man turned and looked to the creature’s red eyes. “But I am dying.”

“Your soul isn’t.” Replied the creature. “And it can save us both.” A weak look of confusion demanded an explanation. “The soul is always changing, evolving, with the actions of a person. Depending on their inclinations or dedication it can grow for good or for ill.” Picking one of several sheets of music the creature chuckled. “So did yours. That is why your music is so wonderful to the masses; you dedicated so much of yourself to it that your very soul sings… Even now. You should already be dead but your spirit lingers, trying to push to complete something you won’t ever finish nor see concluded at all.”

Amadeus gave the creature a look of pity. “You sound like you don’t like music.”

Red eyes stared at the man with an even greater pity. “I do but it isn’t relevant. Not at the end.” He leaned forward to meet Mozart’s eyes properly. “You shall be dead tonight without me.”

Looking behind the creature there was the figure of a black musketeer, or the shadow of something dressed as a musketeer complete with the hat and a coat that hid everything but their boots.

No eyes, ears or nose were visible and yet Mozart could feel they were watching him, waiting. Perhaps judgingly, perhaps uninterested. The legendary musician knew the musketeer’s true identity even if he didn’t know if they were real or not.

“I see… Isn't that shit?”

“So… Do we have a deal?” The red eyed creature offered its hand for a shake.

Which made the musician chuckle. “Fuck me, I really want to take it.” The red eyed creature raised an eyebrow. It looked so human that Mozart could almost fall for it. Almost but not quite. “Sorry. Gonna have to pass.”

“Why? You are going to die.” The creature said factually. “In less than an hour you will be just a corpse. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“Yes but I can’t give you my soul.” Said the musician with a sweet tone. The last one he would ever use. “It isn’t mine and hasn't been for a long time.”

With that the man returned to the piano and the creature vanished leaving only the musketeer and Mozart who threw himself to finish his last piece or at least get as far on it as possible.

For he knew it was worthless but poured everything he had on it anyway. “This is not for them. Not for anyone but to me. My last work, my Requiem…” Already his fingers grew weaker as he pressed the keys of the piano with as much strength as he could muster. He messed up the next stroke and felt his body fail. “I need to get back to bed. Rest a little. An hour, he said. Then I just need to rest for a few minutes. Yes, that will be enough.”

Before departing the man gently stroked his last instrument, something simple and small that he managed to afford despite drowning in debts. His death was coming and there would be no next time and he wouldn't touch that piano again.

His guest was closer now, so close Mozart could feel their hand almost brushing on his shoulder.

“It was a jolly damn good time.” He managed to stand and move to bed. “A fucking good time.” Leaving the piano before he could ruin another melody.

For he loved music more than anything. Certainly more than his wife, child and parents.

He did love them without a shadow of a doubt, he just loved music more and refused to tarnish it by playing badly.

So Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart let it go knowing that his soul would forever belong to it.

Moments had passed and Shirou wasn’t moving, Venelana growing increasingly worried that something was wrong. Whisperers just didn’t start because everybody felt mana being used but compared to when he played back on the Gremory Castle it was taking too long.

Xenovia threw a look at Liz to see if she knew what was happening and all the former Exorcist saw was concern on her senior’s face as Shirou’s reaction was a completely new one.

He was simply taking too long for a simple piano.

However, before anyone could approach or even ask, the Mage’s fingers moved and the first key was played. For such a small piano the sound that escaped its interior was so loud that it was almost like an organ’s.

Shirou looked at the instrument in front of him with respect and reverence as he understood the final days of its previous owner. He understood Mozart in a fashion no one else ever did and the piano resonated with him, not his soul but his being, in appreciation for having its story heard.

‘Let me lead.’ He almost heard the voice of the legendary musician in his ears but it was just an impression or illusion generated by the piano itself.

For Shirou knew that wasn’t a measly piano. “Noble Phantasm.” His words startled the guard closest to the stage but then he said a little louder. “Listen to his Legacy, Musician Will.”

Some of the guards, including Xenovia and Liz, managed to hear his words and their eyes grew wide as the mana around the piano was dissipated upon the reveal of its true nature.

It gained a luster once hidden, looking like new and at the same time ethereal as the wood became almost invisible to allow everyone to see its interior that shone with a bright golden light born of Mozart’s soul and dedication.

Indeed the piano was a Noble Phantasm just waiting for the day someone would bring it life but no one did. They were too afraid of damaging Mozart's last instrument and instead of letting it do its job they buried it under hundreds of protections. Turned it into nothing more than a museum piece.

Usually that would be fine but not for this one, not for the piano who was there at the end of the genius’ life and wanted as much as him to play their last requiem. Especially not when its owner Legend grew and grew, his History and Myths slowly giving it power which remained disguised under its protections.

“The time has come.” Shirou spoke with a powerful tone fit for a King as he admired the object whose power danced on his fingers. “Alas you are gone so I shall take this burden for you. Let them all hear and sing praise for Musician Will!”

Fingers moved expertly, too much so considering when the redhead tried to imitate Rias or Sirzechs he stumbled more often than not. Not with Musician Will for the piano itself could make its player, as long as they respected its owner, the same level as Mozart’s.

So every person of the castle grew baffled as a divine sound poured into its halls and filled their hearts with calm, joy and freedom. All things Mozart desired but couldn't have for his soul was never his own; first his father’s, then his king’s, then his music’s. But the last one the man didn’t mind to follow and so he did even beyond death.

Out of nowhere an irresistible impulse began to assault the band and the most susceptible of them didn’t hesitate to play his violin much to everyone’s shock. They were even more shocked as, despite never having played or heard the music from the piano, the man was keeping up with it playing it like he had practiced hundreds of times.

For he loved music and the Noble Phantasm sensed it, sensed it from all around it and brought those feelings out so they joined Shirou in the most improvised and coordinated concerto ever played.

Soon every member of the band couldn’t resist so they joined in with smiles as the song didn’t force them but offered to share the stage.

With such an offer they didn’t hesitate, they played the song with joy and mirth as their talents were elevated to a divine level as long as happiness filled their hearts and they shared it with the song.

Then, out of the blue for everyone including herself, Xenovia Quarta took a step forward and began to sing in Latin. “Praise, Praise… Praise, Praise… Praise the weak, praise strong… Praise all those who try the most…”

Hearing Musician Will helped her remember once upon a time in a church, just after she was adopted. Not as faithful as she would be later in life, the girl didn’t care about sermons or the words of God and His followers. She cared about the music and the joy everyone had when singing it.

Enough so that the Noble Phantasm picked it up and didn’t hesitate to bring the small girl out in the young woman as the words filled her mind and she picked the exact right cue to start.

““““““““Praise, Praise… Praise, Praise…””””””””

The guards around the stage joined in a chorus as the song was just too much fun and too many of them actually wanted to participate. Much like their lead singer the words just filled their minds and jumped from their lips at the exact right time.

All inside Castle Paix felt euphoria and joined but nobody else was joining the music as they were just spectators. Still every magician felt years of toll from using mana wane as their bodies were rejuvenated. Devils who carried scars from several wars felt their sting vanish as they faded completely.

Music that touched the soul was played as the chorus sang and the piano guided them all to a complete new masterpiece from its long departed owner. It wasn’t the Requiem he wanted but it was the one that people needed.

So the Noble Phantasm obliged as the hands of its new player danced with the mastery of Mozart himself and the people cheered as the many notes of the song soon had others singing as well.

Unlike the singers who were guided by the Musician Will, the others had to learn the lyrics and try to follow the rhythm of the song the old fashioned way. It was easy as the lyrics were simple and Xenovia’s voice, as the lead singer, guided them all.

It reached a point that Akeno, while chuckling, could only say. “That is the most unfair Noble Phantasm of the planet.”

Nobody heard the Queen’s words, they couldn’t as everybody was lost in enjoying the music. Not that she could blame them as she was enjoying it too.

“Even then you should try and imitate such greatness.” Said Medusa, Akeno noting the goddess still by her side with a smile. “You should learn from it and grow. I wasn’t kidding when I said you could one day reach this level as well. You have talent, you just need to work hard.”

Akeno chuckled and turned back to enjoy the show. “Wonder how Xenovia will feel about all this tomorrow. For now it looks like she is enjoying herself.” When she got no response she turned to the goddess and noticed how she was just smiling amusedly. “I won’t-”

“Not today…”

Without a proper retort, Akeno let out a sigh and enjoyed the show for as long as it lasted. “Hope Rias and Sona are listening to this. If a song like that can’t cheer them up then nothing will.”

Unfortunately the Heiresses of Gremory and Sitri couldn’t hear the divine melody playing in the castle. The Noble Phantasm’s reach was only as far as the place it was being used on and since they were outside they could hear nothing. Records of the song will carry similar effects but diluted and without the piano there was no hope of reproducing it beat for beat.

It would still be a magnificent song capable of touching people’s hearts.

…

Following Koneko was far easier than Sona expected as the girl flew slowly and her posture in the air was shaky at best, not at all like the fierce but silent fighter the King of Sitri knew at all.

Castle Paix was big but no bigger than their school and they were moving around it at such a lower speed that they had just moved a few meters instead of the kilometers they could have already covered.

Sure she wasn’t a Knight but Sona knew Koneko could fly much faster than that. ‘Then again, we are going to meet her sister.’ Her eyes shifted towards Rias who refused to look anywhere else but her Rook. ‘A known criminal that killed several devils easily and avoided capture for years… We really should get reinforcements.’

To say she was afraid would be fair but Sona also knew that Rias would follow Koneko by herself if she wasn’t around so she kept her mouth shut. Already several strategies for a fast retreat or getting the castle’s attention played in her mind. In fact the only reason why she didn’t fight that much was because they aren’t going farther from the castle at all.

Just around it which was also worrying in a sense. “Are you sure the Stray Nekomata is around?” Koneko stopped at her question, Rias placing herself beside the small girl with obvious concern. Sona landed a few steps away. “I mean, the guards would have obviously felt her.”

“She mastered Ki.” Said Koneko with a soft tone. “Hiding from devils is easy.”

“But the boundary field would have picked her up, right?” Sona insisted carefully. “Or is she too far from the castle?” Koneko shook her head which prompted the older girl to do the same in turn. “Look, I don’t mind helping but she is dangerous.”

“I know!” Koneko almost jumped in place, her cat ears and tail revealing themselves as she could barely control her emotions. “I know but… If I don’t talk with her…” She turned to Rias for support.

The redhead hugged the small girl who didn’t hesitate to accept the warmth. “Don’t worry, Koneko. Kuroka can’t hurt me, I promise.”

“She won’t hurt you. She is going to kill you.”

“No, she won’t.” Rias replied with a confident smile. Not that the girl could see it, her face rubbing in her midriff as she hid her face. “I promise, Koneko, she won’t kill me.” Gold eyes looked up to see the smile in her direction. “Pink promise.” She finally said, offering the hand for the promise.

That calmed the white haired girl a little and she took the little finger with her own and a nod of determination. Quickly they began to fly again and this time Koneko moved faster, ears and tail still out.

After that Sona hesitated to ask any more questions as she could see the resolve in both Koneko and Rias. Throwing caution to the wind was never her preferred method of action but she was ready to make a small exception only because they were remaining closer to the castle.

Indeed the black haired King’s eyes jumped to the windows from time to time and while no devil turned in their direction she was sure if anything happened it wouldn’t be too hard to get their attention.

Even when they went a little deeper inside the woods it wasn’t enough to ruin her plans but her lack of attention towards her two companions meant she missed when Koneko’s tail grew stiff and the girl began to turn in a panic.

“Look-”

The warning was too slow as Sona felt a strong hit in her back that sent her flying until she hit the ground so hard that it took a lot from her just to stay conscious.

Still she managed to see how Rias turned to their assailant and raised her magic power for a fast block with her Stand that managed to stop a kick to her head. Born To Be Wild moved its gun towards the attacker and shot three times before she did a flip to kick its head off followed up by another that sent the redhead flying into a tree.

“-out!!”

By the time she finished the warning it was too late and she found her face in the bosom of a woman whose voice froze her completely. “Shirone!! Nya!! I’m so happy to see you!”

Her tone was happy, so happy in fact that everyone in the clearing could tell it was the best day of her life if her face already didn’t say as much. The smile on the taller woman’s face showed such joy and tranquility as her hand moved to pet Koneko’s head right between her ears.

The little Rook was frozen from the unexpected contact but couldn't help but shiver at the gentle petting that was so familiar and alien at the same time. She couldn’t talk, couldn’t consciously react, couldn’t try and step aside to look at her sister’s face.

For that was her sister, she recognized the voice that didn’t change much over the last few years. It carried the same tenderness she had when they spoke last time.

Just before the woman annihilated her peerage and killed her King.

“Nya! I missed you so much.” That didn’t stop Kuroka from talking at all. In fact she didn’t even look at her younger sister’s face yet and focused on keeping the embrace going by rubbing their heads on each other. “And look at you. You haven’t changed a bit! Nyaaha, your ears are so fluffy~”

Considering past traumas that was the wrong thing to say. “Nee-chan, let me go.” Koneko started to push back but Kuroka’s hug grew tighter. The younger sibling began to panic and put more strength in her arms. “Let me go! You hurt Buchou!”

“‘Buchou’? You mean your King?” Kuroka’s arms didn’t let go but she turned her head enough to look at the redhead devil who was slowly getting up with a visible cold eye devoid of emotion. “You don’t need to worry about her anymore. We don’t need to serve devils anymore. I found a place for us with plenty of food.”

Once upon a time these words would be more than enough to pacify the younger nekomata.

“No, that- I can’t go with you, nee-chan.” Koneko managed to say. Deep down she was happy her sister found a place to belong but that emotion wasn’t what pushed her forward. “Buchou, Buchou protected me this whole time while you were gone… You left me!” It was Kuroka’s turn to freeze and she let her sister go enough that they could see each other face to face. “You left me alone… And Buchou saved me. Her and the others… I can’t go with you anymore… They are my family.”

Mind fogged due to pain didn’t stop Sona from noticing the calculated expression on Kuroka’s face. ‘This doesn’t look good.’

Koneko couldn’t see it, once the floodgates were open she kept going. “She took care of me, fed me, gave me a new name. They all received me with open arms and it was so warm.” The smile of happiness that the older one missed for a long time. “So you don’t need to worry about me anymore and… If you are happy wherever you are then… I hope it stays that way.”

A sincere desire to see her sister safe and well managed to break through the fear leaving everyone watching in shock and a small smile on Rias’ lips. It had been a long road but Koneko managed to beat her trauma and talk with Kuroka face to face like she wanted without falling apart. The Heiress of Gremory couldn’t be more proud.

However she wasn’t seeing the black haired nekomata’s face, Sona was and she knew the situation was going to go from bad to worse. ‘This won’t end well.’ Slowly she gathered her mana and prepared to call reinforcements from the castle.

When Kuroka spoke her fears were confirmed. “Nyon’t be silly, Shirone. Of course you want to come with me, I’m your sister.” Just hearing that name drained much of Koneko’s fighting spirit. “Nya, I can’t wait to introduce you to everyone. They are going to love you. Oh, oh, we won’t be the only pair of sisters either, nya. Weeeeeell, they do have a brother but he has a girlfriend so the four of us can hang out together.”

So much was thrown at her at once and Koneko couldn’t process everything immediately but still did her best. “I don’t want to go.”

Once again Kuroka fell silent, a confused look in her face. “Why not?”

“Because Buchou and the others are here.” And Koneko knew that if Kuroka took her then she would never return.

In fact a good evidence of that was that ever since the hug started the older nekomata had refused to let the younger one go. True enough the hug even grew tighter as her eyes shrunk and she stared at the white haired girl.

“She Reincarnated you, stole your name and treated you like a pet, nya.” Kuroka looked calm but appearances could be deceiving. “Why do you care so much about her?” Shaken as she was, Koneko failed to reply before her sister continued. “Nyahahaha, not that it matters. Devils are liars and she just wanted your power.”

“That is not-”

“It’s always like that with them. Power, power, power, power. Yap, yap, yap. That is all devils can talk about, nya.” Kuroka declared without a shadow of a doubt, something that made Sona upset not because of what was said but because she couldn’t really disagree. “I bet that redhead is the same. Don’t worry, even if we can’t remove the Evil Piece we can free you from her.”

“Buchou isn’t like that!”

“All devils are greedy in nature.” Kuroka threw a look at Rias who was on a knee with hair covering half of her face. Only the cold blue eye was visible and it remained emotionless. “Nyaot that she will matter for long.”

“What?” A shiver ran through Koneko's spine. “Why?”

“Silly, because I’m going to kill her.” Said Kuroka with a grin, her eyes on her sister again. “Best way to free you is to get rid of-”

“NO!!!!” Koneko screamed and poured her Ki in trying to break free. “No no nonononono!!! You won’t hurt Buchou!! You aren’t hurting any of them!!!” She squirmed and pushed as hard as she could. “Let me go!!”

Kuroka couldn’t believe her sister was reacting so violently. “What is wrong with you?” She could feel the girl’s Ki starting to pour out and swiftly moved to do the same. “Do you really care for some devils? Fine, we let her go if she swears to never try to capture you.”

“No! I don’t want to go!” Koneko replied forcefully as Kuroka’s superior power swallowed her own. “I don’t want to leave Buchou and the others! I want to play more with Yoruichi-oneechan, eat more of Shirou’s food, play with Xenovia and tease Ise for being a pervert!”

Of those words Kuroka couldn't only truly register, “‘Onee-chan’?”

It was such a shock that the older sibling couldn't react when a fist made of mana contacted her cheek and Koneko was taken from her arms. The young woman found herself safe and sound on Rias’ arms as the redhead offered her a gentle smile.

Kuroka flipped on the air and landed on all fours with a hiss of anger towards the redhead but refused to attack fearing that Rias would use Koneko as a shield.

Not that Rias would but the instants of peace gave the Gremory Heiress time to push Koneko behind her and say, “Obviously your sister needs a good spanking.” Born To Be Wild disappeared as a crimson aura surrounded Rias. “Hope you don’t mind if I teach her a lesson or two.”

“Buchou…” Koneko could feel in her skin her King’s power and noted how much it had grown which was surprising for a devil.

“Bitch!” For her part Kuroka could feel the power as well but didn’t even care as she allowed her Ki to flow and fill the area. “You think I'll let you have my sister?”

A raised eyebrow and a tilt of the head was Rias’ initial response. “Why should I care about what a Stray cat thinks?” She began to push Koneko away as Kuroka hissed once again. “Get back and stay out of it until I finish teaching your other older sibling some conduct.”

‘They are talking about Yoruichi…’ Kuroka’s confusion was to their benefit so Sona wasn’t going to say anything. Shaking her head, the Sitri Heiress knew her friend was rilling the nekomata up for a fight. ‘We need to get reinforcements. I doubt she can beat the Stray Nekomata by herself.’

Fortunately Sona could bite back the lingering pain and it wasn’t even close enough to disrupt her concentration as mana began to gather at her fingertips. Turning her head in Castle Paix’s direction the image of a blast strong enough to warn everyone took shape in her mind.

Only for Kuroka to ruin everything with a dark purple aura that spread faster than it should be sensible. It wasn’t heavy by any means either yet Sona felt the air escape her lungs and raised to her knees to try and breath.

Rias tried to combat the nekomata’s power with her own, a far heavier presence, but for some reason Kuroka’s power surpassed it despite being lighter. The redhead could feel something in the air that she couldn’t understand and noticed how Sona was suffocating which helped come to a simple conclusion.

The air was somehow poisoned by Kuroka’s aura. “BORN TO BE WILD!!!!”

Without hesitation Rias unleashed her Stand and made its pistol-like hands turn into cannons before she shot the ground generating a blast of energy that not only should warn the castle but also dissipate the purple aura.

“Nyahahaha. You think it is going to be that easy!” Should the Stray Nekomata as her power flooded the area again. “Nyaaha! Not a chance!” More purple aura poured from the woman but her smile vanished as Rias’ aura managed to combat it. “Nya?”

“Using Ki, right? Youjutsu?” Rias’ question managed to surprise Kuroka if her wide eyes were any indication. “You think I lived with your sister for years and haven’t done my research?” Cannons became pistols as the Heiress took aim. “Your mistake! Destruction Bullets!”

Five bullets flew straight for the nekomata’s head but she rolled to the side to avoid the hits before standing on all fours again with a glare as her eyes became more feline. From the tip of her twin tails orbs of dark purple fire formed and were thrown in the redhead’s direction twice over.

They were faster than Rias’ bullets so she couldn’t shoot them down and barely had time to use Born To Be Wild as a shield. It barely worked as the Stand survived the first hit before blowing up. However that was enough as Rias had already taken flight and began evasive maneuvers around the area.

At that moment both her and Sona shared the same thought. ‘Where is everyone? A blast like that should have the whole castle on alert.’ Yet it didn’t and Kuroka launched herself on the redhead much to the pureblood devil’s surprise.

Born To Be Wild was reformed swiftly as Rias saw the dark purple aura forming on Kuroka’s hands. Didn’t take much to guess that touching it would be really bad so the Stand unloaded all its firepower to protect its creator.

Not a challenge for the Stray Nekomata who sidestepped every bullet in the air, she didn’t even open her wings which she should have as she was still a Reincarnated devil. No, it was like the purple energy filling the area formed a step for her.

Breaking through Born To Be WIld with a single hit Kuroka and Rias were again face to face as the nekomata threw a second blow fully intending of hitting the redhead’s head with her claws, claws that grew bigger with the purple energy.

Only such didn’t happen as Rias managed to redirect the black haired woman’s hand to the side while moving in the same direction before delivering a kick on the older woman’s midriff. Kuroka was surprised but that didn’t last long and was replaced with a certain level of caution as she studied the Heiress of Gremory carefully.

“So you do know how to fight.” Commented Kuroka as she stood on her two feet and began to spread her aura again with a greater intensity.

“I had a very demanding teacher.” Rias said while calling her Stand again to keep her opponent at bay.

Already everyone was starting to feel the effects of Kuroka’s power dominating the area but while Rias and Koneko could defend themselves Sona found out that even when she could concentrate the air was toxic for her.

‘This… This isn’t just Youjutsu, I am sure.’ Realized the Student Council’s president as Kuroka smiled despite Rias’ aura fighting her power back. ‘Rias, you need to realize she isn’t fighting for real. Kuroka the Stray Nekomata is far more dangerous than we realized…’

But no matter how she tried to form the words Sona found her voice missing and her throat extremely dry. Both Rias and Koneko noticed her peril, the little Rook moving to help while the King kept her eyes on Kuroka who tried to take advantage of the momentary distraction.

With a powerful leap she was in Rias’ space again, a swipe of her claws breaking Born To Be Wild apart as one of her tails prepared a sphere of dark purple energy. It flew in the redhead’s direction but she was already retreating when the first hit connected so she had time to move around and dodge safely.

Kuroka was about to attack again when a reddish orange barrier stopped it before any damage could have been caused as a man dressed in an old fashioned armor, light brown hair, brown eyes and handsome face had blocked it.

The armor's main color scheme was red with some black woven into it and gold highlights, a gold that was similar to the thin crow or metal band wrapped around his forehead. Arm and leg guards also were part of the armor but none of it was connected to the chest piece.

His pants were black and baggy, the only different color he was wearing while still maintaining some synergy with the armor. As he landed the man looked around with an expression half panicked before focusing on the Stray Nekomata with an angry growl.

“Damn, Kuroka! We came here to rescue your sister, not kill every last critter in the woods.” Just the man saying these words put Rias on guard and she jumped for a better position to keep an eye on both strangers.

Not that either cared as the nekomata was about to pursuit only for the man to slam a red staff, with gold caps on both ends, on the ground making another barrier right in front of the black haired woman of which she met face first.

“Nyaow, Bikou! I thought you were going to stay hidden!” Complained the Stray Nekomata as she massaged her forehead.

Standing at his full height the newly introduced Bikou let out a sigh. “Can’t exactly stay hidden when you are about to demolish the forest and catch everyone’s attention. Your boundary field can’t hide everything, you know?” The brunette began to move around, glare still in place and eyes on his friend. “Seriously. You go ‘my sister this, my sister that’ and the first thing you do is try to burn down the woods and kill a…” He turned to Sona and raised an eyebrow. “You noble too?”

Koneko stepped in front of the downed devil and already breathing became easier for the Heiress of Sitri. “What response won’t get me killed?” Because Sona honestly doubted he didn’t know who she was.

“Should I know?” He honestly didn’t. “Anyway, are you against this… Family meeting?” He asked while pointing his staff first to Koneko then to Kuroka.

“Telling the truth we followed Koneko here for them to have a conversation.” Sona said it bluntly. “The surprise attack was unexpected but she was trying to kill us wasn’t.”

She wasn’t expecting Bikou looking absolutely confused. “Wasn’t her name Shirone?”

“It’s nyaer name and they treat my sister like a pet!!!” Kuroka’s aura was full of murderous intent all aimed at Rias.

“Hmm, I’m starting to understand this whole thing.” Commented Bikou, tapping his staff on his shoulder twice. He then moved around Koneko faster than she could react and tapped it on Sona’s back. “There. Feeling better, Ojou-sama?”

Surprisingly she did. “What did you-”

Scratching his upper lip he replied, “I’m not as good as Kuroka but my old man would kill me if I couldn't do that much.” Bikou looked at a nervous Koneko and chuckled, turning to the two women ready to duck out. “Hey girls, I will keep everyone else out of the way so fight until you fall down.”

Both Rias and Kuroka took the warning to heart while Sona deduced that, “You are the reason nobody in the castle noticed us.”

“Nope, that is Kuroka’s boundary field. I’m here just as a friend and from what I can see these two need to fight.” He turned to Koneko with a grin. “Ain’t that right?”

“You must be joking!” Sona said and the man laughed.

A strange laugh that for some reason reminded her of a monkey and only stopped when he coughed up in his hand. “Sorry, sorry, Ojou-sama.” Bikou smiled again and turned to Kuroka. “You heard me, Kuroka? Get all those feelings out and punch that redhead with everything you go!” Koneko was panicking and began to advance but his staff got in her way. “Your sister will be safe. Don’tcha worry.”

Smiling savagely, Kuroka unleashed far more of her power. So much so that Rias almost lost her balance as the air turned from poisonous to toxic. Immediately her training kicked in and much of her focus changed from Born To Be Wild to her aura to keep the toxic Ki at bay.

Yet she could still feel some of the effects as much of it got through before she could close her defenses, she was already sweating and her throat felt as dry as a desert by just dealing with it for one second.

“Buchou!” “Rias!”

Both Koneko and Sona were protected thanks to Bikou so they didn’t hesitate to shout in concern when Rias almost fell as her aura flickered. She looked sick, extremely sick; pale skin, sweating like mad and losing her balance by the way she staggered before standing straight again.

During all that neither Kuroka and Bikou moved but the man whistled before saying, “She has good control if she managed to block most of that.”

“That was an attack?” Sona couldn’t believe it as in her eyes all the nekomata did was release some power.

“Hmm, ‘attack’? That wasn’t an attack.” The man played with his staff before putting it on his back in a relaxed manner. “She can tell, can’t you?”

Following his eyes the Heiress of Sitri turned to Koneko. “She is preparing the field for the fight. That’s Youjustu.”

“Senjutsu is the manipulation of internal energies.” Started the brunette casually. “May sound obvious but Youjutsu is the opposite, it’s to rule and control the energy around you.” Bikou said as Kuroka moved around Rias and the redhead followed with her eyes. “Controlling boundary fields is the most basic form of Youjutsu. Once you master it, it doesn't matter if the place doesn’t have a ley line. Its power is yours.”

His conviction made Sona shake in fear for her friend and she began to gather mana in her hand. ‘Since there is a boundary field, I need to support Rias so we can-’

“Ah, please don’t try anything.” The Heiress’ head jumped to the man who winked at her.  “I don’t wanna hurt you, Ojou-sama. This is their fight.”

“I can’t let my friend die.” Sona could see Koneko was ready to fight too even if she was afraid of her sister.

Didn’t matter to Bikou who chuckled. “Think you two can defeat her and me at the same time?” That froze both girls as they looked at the man with fearful expressions. “Hey, hey. Don’t worry. Vali spoke well of Gremory, well her mana capacity at least. She can survive Kuroka… I think.”

“‘Vali’ as in Vali Lucifer?” Asked the scared Sona.

“Yep.” He easily admitted his relation with the White Dragon Emperor without a care. “By the way, he told me you all think Kuroka is insane, right?” Bikou focused on Koneko with a grin. “But watch this fight, she is crazy but not ‘kill everyone’ crazy.”

Back in the fight Kuroka hadn’t advanced just yet, studying how Rias controlled her flux of mana and manipulated it perfectly to create an aura with just enough power to protect her while not wasting a single drop of energy.

Indeed such skill left Kuroka cautious. “Nya, nya. You got skill.” Rias watched her impassively, Born To Be Wild on guard and ready to shoot. “What is wrong? Did I get your tongue?”

“Koneko just wanted-” A small cut on her cheek stung far more than it should and Rias couldn’t help but grow worried how her aura failed to stop it.

With her claws still extended despite being a good few meters away, Kuroka glared at the King of Gremory. “Don’t treat my sister like your pet.”

“She never was a pet.” Replied Rias with a cold stare. “She wanted a new name after you abandoned her,” the power around the area diminished even if Kuroka showed no physical reaction, “something to help her move on from how you made her name feel special. As the person who took care of her I gave her the name ‘Koneko’ because since young I have been a fan of Japanese culture.”

All that was divulged freely but coldly in such a machine like tone that deeply concerned the nekomata as her guard remained high. Yet she couldn’t just unheard what she learned and bit her lower lip hard enough to draw blood.

“So you took care of her since then?”

“Yes. Me, Akeno and the rest of my family.” Informed the Heiress with some warmth in her voice. “Not all devils are evil. I understand if something happened but-”

“Then thank you but I will be taking Shirone now.” Kuroka’s power receded, much to the audience’s surprise. Not for Rias whose eyes grew cold again. “Since you took care of her I’ll let you go with just a warning, nya. Don’t come looking for us.” She began to turn away.

Only for Rias’ response to shake her core. “If you aren’t going to pay attention to your sister then I will force you to.” That gave Kuroka pause as she gave the redhead a glance. Soon the toxic aura was back at full force and Born To Be Wild flickered but that didn’t shake the Heiress resolve. “You left Shirone behind and Koneko isn’t ready to go back.”

“She is still Shirone!!” Fury colored her face as her claws threw a wave of purple Ki at Rias who didn’t move or react as the attack moved past her and destroyed some trees. “I’m sparing your life here because you took care of her but if you-”

Born To Be Wild fired several shots on Kuroka’s direction forcing her to move a s Ki flowed in her hands and she used her claws to swipe it towards Rias. Already understanding her Stand wouldn't be able to protect her she undid its existence and called forth a magic circle instead.

The circle shone brightly with a dark light that managed to block the dark Ki but the nekomata didn’t let it detain her, just throwing another burst of power against it both to test Rias’ defenses and as a legitimate attack.

When the magic circle broke with the second impact the redhead was prepared and managed to roll away, ruining her dress a bit but keeping herself unharmed. A far preferable option as she counter attacked and Born To Be Wild could focus completely in unleashing a new rain of bullets.

Kuroka smiled confidently as she summoned a purple magic circle of the same color as her flames to stop every shot. “Nyaid you forget I was a Bishop?” From that magic circle several blasts of mana were unleashed and intercepted by more bullets.

Not that the nekomata cared as two more magic circles gained life and opened fire as well and Rias saw no other choice but to run away. Finding some cover behind a tree the redhead ducked only for the next attack to disintegrate the tree and almost catch her hair.

Her heels discarded on her last dodge, Rias kept running around until it was safe to open her wings and accelerate around the trees, using them to block Kuroka’s vision. She saw the nekomata’s attacks following her slightly behind until the black haired woman focused more fire power in a spot where Rias had already escaped.

Seeing it as an opening the Heiress of Gremory charged at max speed until all trees were out of her way and the path towards the Stray Nekomata was open.

“BORN TO BE WILD!!!!” Rias roared with all her strength as the Stand manifested and shot several Bullets of Destruction.

However it was flickering and it wasn’t just the Stand but also its attacks as every bullet didn’t even close to touch Kuroka’s skin who smirked before turning her head in Rias’ direction, eyes dancing with laughter at the redhead’s stunned face.

Truth was Kuroka wasn’t even trying. “Something wrong?” She asked with mocking as the redhead charged at her at full speed, several shots flying in the nekomata’s direction.

The black haired woman called a magic circle to block the attacks with ease, far too easy considering those bullets were made with the Power of Destruction.

Still the reaction told Rias enough as she kept charging and shooting, much to Kuroka’s confusion. “You know that won’t work, nya?” She fired back as well and Rias immediately released her stand and created her own magic circle.

The Heiress of Gremory was pushed back as the power of the nekomata’s Ki almost broke her magic circle and consumed her completely. Her mana didn’t break but she could feel something trying to eat it up.

Didn’t take much to deduce that the air itself was against her friend and Sona could clearly see it. “Youjutsu is dangerous…” She whispered involuntarily before turning to Koneko. “It is what is happening isn’t it?”

Rias broke free from the onslaught and flew to the side as Kuroka threw more blasts from her hands and created more magic circles around her to contribute to the attack. Several blasts flew at the same time and the redhead did her best to dodge as Koneko nodded her head and began to answer.

“Buchou’s attacks will be weaker here unless she uses Ki.” Started Koneko before shaking her head. “No, not just use it. She needed to know Senjutsu or Youjutsu itself to counterbalance… My sister’s attacks.”

Already Sona could deduce that Rias had none of those alternatives as when she tried to throw Power of Destruction towards Kuroka in a huge blast it grew several times weaker before the nekomata raised a magic circle that blocked the rest of the attack as the others kept the pressure going.

Eventually the magic circles around the Stray Nekomata began to glow brighter with power and the attacks changed to beams of mana while she shot purple Ki from her hands. With so many attacks converging on a single target it became extremely hard for RIas to dodge and she raised her defenses just when one of the beams was about to hit her.

She was fast enough and managed to neutralize the damage for a moment but just a moment as Kuroka sent a blast of Ki which cracked the shield and allowed the beam of mana to consume the redhead.

“Buchou!!” Koneko tried to help but their protector blocked her advance.

“Looks like it’s game over.” Bikou commented while scratching his chin and looking at the small girl. “You two look a lot alike but you ain’t strong enough to escape Kuroka.” He turned to Sona who flinched under his gaze. “And you can’t help either… I really don’t like this.”

While Sona didn’t understand exactly what the man didn’t like she tried to take a chance. “Then let us call for help. A King is nothing without their peerage.”

“Hey, hey, you think I’m stupid? You’ll call the Maou the first chance you get.” The pureblood devil gritted her teeth, basically confirming he was right.

Kuroka chuckled upon seeing her victory and turned in the trio’s direction. “Nya. Don’t worry, Shirone, I didn’t kill her. She’ll be a little burned but she’s a tough gall. Just need to lick her wounds a bit.” She licked her own lips after a thought. “Or have her boyfriend do it for her. That sounds fun-”

Feeling a shift behind her both from her advanced senses and boundary field Kuroka turned around with a huge quantity of Ki in her hand and used it to deflect a bullet of mana to the side.

It kept sailing on for a moment before it hit a tree and exploded, completely destroying it much to everyone’s surprise.

“Did you just try to attack me from the back? That isn’t very noble, nya.” Commented the Stray Nekomata as they all saw Rias back on her feet with a hard look in her eyes and Born To Be Wild arm floating over her shoulder.

Just the arm though which confused everyone else, especially Koneko as that wasn’t something her King could do previously.

Then Rias’ eyes recovered some emotion as the arm disappeared, she let out a sigh and scratched her cheek. “That wasn’t going to kill you, just knock you out.”

“I doubt it even could- Wait, knock me out?”

“Yes, you are Koneko’s sister and she doesn’t want you harmed.” When Kuroka didn’t go ballistic over the name, Rias continued. “In fact I think she doesn’t want us fighting at all.”

“I’m all for stopping if you swear to let us go.” Kuroka replied calmly, far too calmly as her eyes watched the redhead with wariness.

Far more wariness than she had before at the very least, considering how she set up the battlefield to her advantage that attack shouldn't have even got close and yet a tree was destroyed from an apparently weak bullet.

Not only that but the redhead seemed better than before, skin healthy as if she had just woken up from a great night of sleep and expression far more relaxed. Her aura also was healthier than before, more powerful and sharp as its shade of red was akin to a ruby’s.

“If you are forcing her to go, I can’t let you.” Said Rias with conviction as her mana began to grow thinner and focus around her body. “Not as her King but as her family, I won’t let you take Koneko away from us.”

“Nya? And you think you can stop me?” Kuroka summoned four magic circles and prepared her Ki in both hands. “Just need to force things a little to put you down.”

Rias studied Kuroka’s face for a moment before glancing at Koneko and Sona with a determined look. The white haired girl was still looking too fearful for her tastes and if that was out of fear for her or from her older sister it was anyone’s guess.

All that the look really told the redhead was that she couldn’t lose, not if she wanted Koneko to be happy. “Sona, could you close your eyes for a moment? A few minutes at best?”

All turned to her fellow Heiress. “Close my eyes?”

“Yeah, don’t want to give away my tricks just before the Rating Game.”

“Are you sure this is the time to hold back?” Asked an amused Bikou who earned a smile from Rias out of it.

“Well, I took the measure of Kuroka here and in truth I can’t win if I hold back.” The confession was honest and Kuroka debated attacking then and there to stop Rias from doing whatever she planned.

From what everyone could observe the Heiress of Gremory wasn’t really wounded, a couple of scratches and burns on her arms were all she was sporting even if her dress was now slightly teared up in some spots.

Considering she took a beam of mana pretty much head on and even was thrown several meters away as a result of it, that was an excellent condition. It spoke well of her defense, one that she rose fast enough that nobody else managed to notice.

And that also gave her a chance to counter attack that Kuroka almost fell for. A ploy that certainly didn’t come from the mind of a noble. Everything told her that she had the advantage and yet the black haired woman couldn’t help but feel wary.

Taking the more cautious route in the end and the Stray Nekomata unleashed all her blasts of mana while throwing her Ki at the same time in a strategy similar from before. However, such a similar attack didn’t have the same results as Rias accelerated in Kuroka’s direction instead of running to the sides, an action many would call insane.

Immediately the woman began to converge her attacks but the redhead was on her too quick for her magic to be of use. Instead she focused on Ki, something Kuroka was sure it would give her every advantage in any sort of physical confrontation.

Only to be caught off guard again when Rias pivoted to the side and avoided the nekomata entirely, a magic circle forming in her hands and unleashing a huge blast of Destruction on her opponent.

The blast was so huge that the boundary field Kuroka had created shook and the woman herself leaped from it somewhat unharmed but feeling the heat from the attack. She joined her two hands to manipulate her Ki with more precision. Soon she opened them revealing a sphere as Rias was turning to continue the attack.

That was when Kuroka unleashed her Ki and it splitted into ten different spheres all flying in Rias’ direction. Quickly the redhead formed a huge magic circle and unleashed a huge blast of Destruction that consumed them all and their creator.

She noticed her attack failed immediately as the Ki pierced through her blast with far too much ease. Rias could challenge the boundary field with pure power but Kuroka’s attacks were built exactly to counter that.

Understanding the situation the redhead dipped to the side as the attacks almost decimated her, exploding where she should have been, the impact generated a lot of dust. And it wasn’t over as the Ki dug through the earth and began to hunt their quarry, much to Rias’ surprise.

What didn’t surprise her was Kuroka moving to intercept her escape with a huge grin as she threw a claw flaring with Ki towards the Heiress. The redhead bent her upper body to the side and did a cartwheel that almost kicked the nekomata back but she spun in place, using her tails to grab Rias’ leg.

Victory was on Kuroka’s sights as Rias had no way to run and her Ki attacks came from the side to crush her bones. Her tail remained firmly around the redhead’s leg as the milliseconds ticked down and she began to complete her spin to punch her enemy’s face.

Then Rias smiled, “Born To Be Wild!” and Kuroka let go of her leg quickly as mana gathered in an extremely high quantity in the Heiress’ hands. “Act II!”

Bullets flew and destroyed every single sphere in an instant before the last one flew and almost hit Kuroka in the center of her forehead. Fortunately for the Stray Nekomata her escape was successful but not without a deep scratch on the side of her head even as she avoided the worst outcome.

From everyone’s point of view it was like Rias had suddenly unleashed a huge quantity of power as Kuroka was about to deliver a final blow and dismantled the nekomata’s attack completely.

Both sides quickly separated and Rias was the first to stand up now with two guns made of mana in her hands. “What are those?” Sona asked an equally confused Koneko. Taking in everything she knew about her friend’s skills she made some fast deductions, “Are those solid magic circles as well? More of this Stand business?”

“Kakakaka!!” Bikou let out a laugh even as he was sweating a little. “Don’t know what that is but it’s packing a lot of mana. A lot.” Koneko slowly nodded in agreement.

Both of them could sense the mass of energy gathered in what appeared to be a pair of ordinary guns but could only be anything but. Their color was red as Rias’ hair, their design slick and simple but familiar to anyone who watched some TV on Earth, be that news or a movie.

Unlike those used by her cowboy-like Stand, that version of Born To Be Wild was modern; there were no cylinders for the rounds, those were now hidden inside the pistol without a hammer or anything too flashy unlike its previous form.

No longer the pistols were something welcomed in the Wild West but now they were the more modern Glock Handguns, Kiritsugu’s choice for operations in cities. Not only his but the sort of mass produced weapon that found its place in the hands of criminals and officers alike.

Easy to conceal, easy to use and it turned out easy to recreate for Rias Gremory as she managed to turn a warrior made from her imagination into a perfect weapon packing far more firepower on its 9mm bullets than it should ever be possible.

As they were a mass of mana condensed on a form that Rias grew comfortable with after weeks of training. Day after day practicing with the real deal until she knew it front to back and could assemble the gun with eyes closed. In fact, for the benefit of her audience, she even did a small spin with both of them before pointing the weapons at a rattled Kuroka who glared at them.

Carefully the nekomata’s hand touched the side of her head and felt the blood she was losing before healing the wound with Ki. “Nya, you really were holding back.”

Chuckling at her opponent, Rias couldn’t help herself and take advantage of the pause in their fight. “Born To Be Wild, Act II. My teacher would disapprove of explaining my power so you just need to know this; this is my evolution and you can’t win.” More mana poured into the weapons despite them looking like just a pair of guns painted red. “So, ready to admit you won’t listen to your sister?”

That was not the right thing to say as fury filled Kuroka’s eyes before she calmed down and took a deep breath. Little by little the Ki in the area grew ticker as the nekomata watched Rias who remained on guard but didn’t immediately attack. Her mistake, at least in the Stray Nekomata’s opinion.

Her mission was to save her sister and as far as Kuroka could see Rias had good intentions or appeared to have them so she wasn’t going to criticize. Fact was that the nekomata didn’t trust any devil or their system so she was going to get her sister out even if it was by force.

But the obstacle in front of her wasn’t weak. “You create a mass by combining several magic circles.” The Stray Bishop analyzed as her Ki grew ticker around her. Soon the purple was growing darker as her focus intensified. “How much of your power are you putting in these guns of yours? How much do you have to defend yourself?” When she opened her eyes Kuroka revealed her extremely thin pupil in full feline glory. “How much do you have to defend yourself from my poisoned mist?”

Purple turned black in the area as Kuroka made so that her power reached its zenith and became far more oppressive. Everyone could feel its nature and Bikou quickly slammed the butt of his staff on the ground twice to create a stronger protection for him and the girls.

Rias didn’t have such a luxury as the black energy dominated everything and threatened to kill her on the spot if she wasn’t careful. The redhead fell on a knee and made a show of having difficulties breathing as one of the guns disappeared. Both Koneko and Sona shouted for her but Kuroka remained unphased.

“You think I’m going to fall for this trick again?” Asked the unamused nekomata, much to the surprise of everyone else.

“Fufufu, looks like not.” Rias stood up again to her full height before pointing her gun at Kuroka. “Do you really want to do this? With Act II, I don’t think I can avoid killing you if we start.”

“Nya, I should be the one saying that. Now that my true nature is out,” a black cloak involved Kuroka as she dropped on all fours, “you can’t win.” She said, throwing Rias’ words back at her.

The redhead smiled casually before all emotion vanished from her face as her eyes remained locked on the nekomata who grew unnerved by the sudden shift and took an involuntary step back.

It was enough as Rias unleashed a rain of bullets, pulling the trigger ten times before beginning to run to the side as Kuroka tried to dodge the initial attack. She was hit on the shoulder and leg, her Ki losing the contest which generated burns and cuts simultaneously while she fired Ki back.

Black blasts of power tried to consume the redhead but her opening allowed her great freedom of movement and dodging was easy thanks to her conditioning. Yes, most of her energy was focused on Born To Be Wild but her physical specs were improved for maximum evasion precisely because of that.

While moving around Rias brought forward her second weapon and shouted, “Act II!!!” unleashing several shots from her guns.

Of twenty bullets only three hit Kuroka as the nekomata could feel every single attack going her way and was flexible enough to avoid most of them. But the land paid the price and even with her advanced senses, pushed further by her mastery over Ki, the loud explosions and dust in her eyes made things difficult.

So difficult in fact that Kuroka had enough and charged her black Ki all over her body before unleashing a wave that blew everything away and uprooted several trees.

Her hazel-gold eyes didn’t waste time in locking on her prey and the nekomata unleashed a huge blast of Ki on a flying Rias who had taken to the skies to avoid the previous attack. Either way didn’t shake either woman as Kuroka’s hands molded the flame for a follow up, another wave that would fill the area with it.

Rias saw the next one coming but didn’t panic as that was the main focus of her training; to give her a mental fortitude strong enough to not bend nor break under pressure. Mistakes had already been made in that fight as she didn’t account for the nekomata’s more acute senses previously but now Rias was very much aware of it.

Spinning in the air she focused both guns on a fixed point and used a barrage of Destruction to cut her way open while sending Kuroka running away in a panic as every attack impacted where she had been.

Which bought the King of Gremory a few more seconds to get closer to ground level and unleash more bullets. The second part of her plan was unsuccessful as Kuroka’s tails let out two towers of mana in Rias’ direction and it was the redhead’s turn to run.

Cover was useless, running around was useless and with the boundary field blocking anyone’s view from the outside calling for help was useless. No, in reality it was out of question from the beginning as Koneko didn’t want to see Kuroka’s dead or captured. The little Rook wanted to talk and as her friend and King, Rias would see her wish granted.

“Killing is the fastest and easiest way to end a fight. Unless it is in a competition, don’t waste time.’ When the memory came Rias chuckled as she dodged the blast and a foot touched the ground before she dashed to the side while opening fire.

‘Otou-sama is going to be mad if he knows I am not trying to kill someone so dangerous.’ Rias chuckled again as her opponent dodged her bullets and ran in her direction while throwing her Ki at her. ‘No, he would understand. He is a family man, after all.’

Rias was walking around her family’s garden with a huge bag on her back balanced by her arms and weighing around 70 kg. Bands of 25 kg each were also tied to her legs for added difficulty. That was the sort of training reserved to some of the most elite special forces on Earth, the sort of thing that could push a human to their limits and close to break them.

For a devil it should be easy, especially a pureblood one, but those bags had something in them that made it extremely hard for Rias to walk or even stay standing. She was sweating buckets and every step in the garden felt like she was struggling against mud and almost ready to fall down.

All watched by Emiya Kiritsugu who held a chronometer and a bored expression. “You are slower today.”

“I didn’t recover… From yesterday.” Rias managed to reply as she felt her scream. The young woman could swear if she tried hard enough she would be hearing them complain.

“Then the training is working. You are growing aware of your limits.” His eyes moved from the clock to her after a pause. “You can give up, you know?”

“But then… I won’t… Grow stronger…” Another step as she refused to let the weight on her back fall.

Even as it sucked her mana dry and forced her to concentrate more to keep it inside her body. The bag she was carrying on her back held several stones with runes written on them. Runes that sapped a small tickle of mana that was almost undetectable.

But when carrying several dozen of them the tickle was more like a flood and it wasn’t just from her back and arms as the bands in her legs also carried several stones with the same effect.

All for the sake of improving her control and concentration.

“Creating weapons and focusing all your power in them will leave you exposed. This training is to make sure you can multitask under pressure.” Kiritsugu reminded her coldly. She grunted but refused to complain as another step was taken. “Even if it is just a little, a small tickle, if you can use all your mana efficiently it doesn’t matter if your opponent is stronger than you. A bullet from your gun will be as good as a bullet against a normal person.”

“Technically speaking… The normal here is capable of surviving a bullet.” Rias managed to smile with her response.

Only for the man to not even acknowledge the humor. “And you have more mana than many of your peers.” His eyes went for the watch on his wrist. “What is more, if your body doesn’t need mana for defense it will obviously go to your offense.” Looking back to her the Magus Killer noted she had managed five more steps and was still going. “That is how you prefer it.”

“You bet.” Replied a smiling Rias as she tried to make her Stand even while her mana was pulled in several directions.

That training was paying dividends as Kuroka couldn’t ignore the bullets in any fashion. Every time one of them was flying in her direction her only option was either to dodge or use Ki to block their path.

Summoning a couple of magic circles the Stray Nekomata tried to shoot the bullets down but every single one of her blasts and beams of mana failed to even compete.

At least when it came to mana Rias’ had Kuroka beat and it didn’t take long for the women to realize that as the redhead increased her fire rate. Focusing Ki in the palm of her hands the Stray changed tactics and began to shoot fast blasts of the energy against the other woman in a shootout match.

Red and black energies clashed and exploded around the area as the women needed to keep moving as no cover could protect them. Still Kuroka tried to run behind a tree to confuse Rias as the redhead lacked the same awareness she had. The bark of the tree was destroyed in seconds and the shots kept going as the pureblood devil proved herself as fast as the black haired nekomata.

However, that still bought Kuroka a couple of seconds that she used to let a drop of Ki slip through her fingers and land on the dead tree’s roots. Less than a moment later she was already running towards another tree, firing back with Ki to take down as many bullets as she could.

It didn’t work for many and one hit her leg at a bad moment that forced her to slide the rest of the way to the next tree and touch it with a minimalistic quantity of Ki. Once more it was destroyed but this time Kuroka jumped over the destroyed bark towards Rias with black Ki flaring around her arms.

Both had realized that the redhead had the advantage on range so Rias raced backwards as Kuroka tried to close in for the win. The nekomata was moving faster than before but despite being a Reincarnated devil she didn’t use her wings, a choice that the redhead didn’t hesitate to capitalize on.

Not that it made that much of a difference as Kuroka closed in faster than the Heiress of Gremory expected and threw a slash with a claw surrounded by black Ki way too close for comfort and almost got her eyes.

She dodged the next three attacks before shooting Kuroka’s belly the same number of times with mana bullets strong enough to launch both of them in opposite directions. While Rias was the one who expected the explosion, the Stray Nekomata actually recovered first and sent a huge blast of mana in her direction.

The pureblood devil shot it several times but the attack still connected and Rias felt herself burn both from the inside and the outside. Not only that but the sensation was both familiar and strange, helping her realize with horror that Kuroka’s potential was far greater than she expected.

‘She can use Senjutsu?’ Because it was too close to the power Koneko had and Yoruichi used pretty much every time she spent a day at their home. It scared the redhead because it meant that, at least in the number of skills, Kuroka was already superior to one of the Kings of Kyoto. ‘Sorry Koneko but I will need to push things up another notch.’

The realization was instantaneous and Rias flipped mid air before racing to the right to get more distance while staying away from the audience.

Her guns began to glow brightly before breaking apart and combining into a new form. “Act II!!” Instead of twin pistols the new weapon was far more bulky and complex, its main feature a huge barrel.

It also had a scope bigger than Rias’ hand and the whole gun was as tall as Koneko with the little Rookie losing to it for a couple of inches. The sort of weapon that undoubtedly didn’t belong in a close ranged match but masterfully manipulated by its creator to aim straight to Kuroka upon its creation.

“I don’t want you to die so…” Rias cocked the gun loudly, freezing the surprised nekomata mid run as she felt the power channeled into the sniper rifle. “You better dodge.”

A crimson bullet of approximately 12 to 13 mm was fired and it was faster than any bullet shot before. Also far more powerful, extremely more powerful if the size and the mass of mana was any indication. It was the sort of bullet big enough to pierce a car if it was made of common metal.

But it wasn’t common metal, it was Destruction of which Kuroka didn’t want to get hit by. But again it was faster than the previous bullets and she was struggling with those. So fast in fact that if Kuroka hadn’t taken the previous warning seriously she would have been dead.

Fortunately the heads up was enough to save her life but not enough to escape the bullet since it was just too fast even for her. To all effects and purposes the original hit would have torn out her chest and one of her lungs apart without problems but thanks to her moving in time it just took her shoulder.

Part of which was destroyed by the bullet, a small hole the size of the projectile that took blood, bone and flesh with it as it sailed a few centimeters out of the nekomata’s body before disappearing immediately to not destroy anything else.

Almost as if time had slowed down, Kuroka tilted her head to look at the damage she took. Ki had failed to protect her and her status as a Reincarnated or a nekomata did nothing to stop Destruction’s path.

Too focused, too powerful, every resource the Stray Nekomata had was useless against that bullet even if she was completely aware of it from the get go. However the woman just spared the wound, a perfectly shaped hole in her shoulder, a glance before focusing on Rias again.

All could see how Kuroka’s arm was crippled, dangling on her body and unable to move as certain muscles and bones were no more. See how she still charged much to Rias’ chagrin and frustration as the redhead didn’t want to kill the woman as she realistically could. The Heiress guessed it was either stupidity or pride that moved the nekomata.

Neither mattered as both were reasons for her opponent to take away one of her precious friends so Rias wasn’t going to hesitate. Already more Ki flowed around Kuroka as she reinforced her defenses, especially around her vitals, but the redhead wasn’t aiming at them.

Killing Kuroka was the last thing Rias wanted to do so she was going to lower her weapon slightly until the huge barrel was aiming at the nekomata’s legs. That went against everything that Kiritsugu taught her about combat, even in Rating Games she should always go for the kill, either metaphorical or real.

Giving an opponent a chance was always a mistake, no matter how small or insignificant. That was the main lesson that the Magus Killer imparted to every single one of his subordinates.

A lesson Emiya Kiritsugu hammered on Rias Gremory’s head after every strategy lesson, every time there was an efficient but cruel option the woman avoided to take.

“The expression ‘going for the jugular’ exists because it is necessary. It is a reminder to always kill while there is a threat.” The Magus Killer imparted as Rias dropped on the ground with the huge sack of stones beside her face.

After hours of training the man asked questions and constructed scenarios to make sure that not only the body was ready for the harshness of combat but also her mind. Whenever the redhead tried to go for a more gentle approach or give up an advantage because of mercy he brutally shot it down.

“Go for the kill every second unless the enemy surrenders, and make sure it is a real surrender where you know they can’t harm you.” He finished the long explanation for the hundredth time that he constructed a scenario where Rias was forced to show mercy.

With a glare the redhead flipped on her belly. “You keep giving me situations where my friends are my enemies. Where my brother is trying to kill me. Even your son.”

“And if you can deal with those then you can deal with every scenario. Don’t think the day won’t come when someone is going to use some sort of disguise and try to trick you, it happens.” Raising his fingers he began to count up. “Shapeshifters, golems, dolls, sacred gears, take your pick. Unless you know they aren’t the people you love, you better be ready and consider everything.”

“But they wouldn't, so these scenarios are unrealistic.” Rias shot back with a glare as the exhaustion gave life to courage to challenge her teacher.

“And when they do? Even if not Shirou or your brother or your friends, what if you face someone you aren’t willing to kill?” The Magus Killer asked coldly and Rias grew mute. Then Kiritsugu returned and kneeled so their eyes could meet. “If something happens to you my family will suffer… I don’t want that to happen so I need you to consider this… When facing someone you don’t want to kill, what do you do?”

Taking a deep breath the woman began to take out the bands on her ankles. “I will kill them.”

Rias wanted to curse her previous words but there was no time as she constructed the next bullet and aimed at Kuroka’s leg. Despite the sort of bullet created it was less than a second for her to finish crafting Destruction into something that could be shot. Aiming at a moving target, especially with the Stray Nekomata moving, took more than a second.

Another mistake and was all Kuroka needed.

Ki flowed from her being towards the ground as the carefully laid traps sprung to action, spreading in every direction like a wave. A wall of purple flame flew in Rias’ direction and she quickly covered her eyes and strengthened her aura just in case.

Another mistake even if one created from her opponent’s action was a mistake nonetheless as the redhead lacked the means to detect Ki reliably. At least she managed to hear when purple fire shot from the ground and managed to jump several meters back to avoid being hit.

Only for something to quickly capture her from behind, a dead tree stump had come back to life surrounded by purple fire and a mighty oak emerged to wrap Rias in a deadly embrace that also pushed the rifle to the side.

Rias refused to let her weapon go even as the cursed fire tried to eat her up, much like the poison from the boundary field had been trying ever since the fight began. That was Kuroka’s Element, the same as her sister’s but also opposite, the sort of technique that shouldn’t give life to dead trees.

Indeed everyone, even Bikou, was surprised by the woman’s skill as all that was contradictory of what she should be capable of doing.

Koneko shouted to stop her sister and Sona demanded Bikou to let them help her friend in a panic. For a moment the young man debated jumping there himself but deep down he knew it was too late as Kuroka was moving too fast.

Her left hand was raised as Ki and black flames gathered in her claws, youki was absent but demonic energy replaced that power in a sort of bubble ready to burst. It was a concoction that would burn, curse, poison and rip anything or anyone apart as the air itself suffered in her warpath.

Rias in particular was terrified of it but buried all her emotions behind a wall of solid titanium as she used all her mana to break the tree and reposition her rifle. There was a bullet already loaded and she wasn’t going to hesitate against someone about to kill her.

Only for another tree to make itself known and grab her other hand with its purple flames, another trap sprung just besides the first revealing to Rias how Kuroka had planned to end their fight.

Her legs were also imprisoned and the Heiress of the Gremory found herself crucified as the Stray Nekomata smile grew wilder and she went for the neck.

It was then that Rias Gremory smiled.

Kiritsugu looked at his student with a look that gave her the distinct impression he didn’t believe her words. As a devil she had killed before so that wasn’t the problem but the man could read right through her.

“Very well. Rest for a few minutes then go back inside for more maintenance and assemble of equipment.” The man turned and marched back to the castle as Rias let out a breath and turned to her back to relax for a minute. “But if you can’t kill them… At least do everything to not leave them standing.” He started slowly and with a conviction that told her he had already debated that many times before. “Plan accordingly and leave a door open so that you can take both yourself and them down if necessary.”

She stared at his back but the man didn’t turn or acknowledge her confusion.

Didn’t take long for her to realize the Magus Killer had many regrets.

Mana began to gather around the rifle in a speed that far surpassed the nekomata’s and she couldn't even notice the event as her own flames obscured the event from her senses. Everyone’s senses in fact as nobody could feel the bullet inside the rifle change from Destruction to mana again in the same quantity even if in a poorer quality.

Power changed and began to crack as the quantity of mana used for Destruction was far greater than its natural state resulting in an unstable creation that needed to either lose some of its potency or reduced in size.

Exactly what Rias wanted after all she needed the bullet unstable for one last gamble where the end result could be reached before or after Kuroka had connected her final blow.

Live or die it was all about speed and it was faster to break something that was already there than making anything new.

The rifle began to glow before falling apart revealing a bullet with hundreds of cracks, pulsing with dark light. It blew up just as Kuroka’s claws reached Rias’ skin, an explosion of such magnitude that turned night into day and blinded everyone in the area. Had it not been for the boundary field people in the capital would have seen the light and panicked but it managed to hold.

However that was the barrier’s last job as Kuroka couldn't sustain it any longer as she lost her consciousness for a second, her body flying back after being hit by the full force of the blast.

She had committed too much on the last attack, left too little for defenses which resulted in her body ending up burned and bleeding.

And Rias’ gamble had been so strong that Bikou had planted his staff on the ground and used it to channel an even stronger shield for him and the other two, the image of a peach in front of them.

Both Sona and Koneko were confused but the latter felt her sister failing to keep everything together as her body hit the ground resulting in a small crater. Ki completely spent that was the first time Shirone had ever seen her sister in such a weak state ever since they were kids.

From dust and smoke Rias came flying out with a vengeance, her dress ruined, body bleeding far more than her opponent's but with a blazing aura of shadows that almost depicted her as a demon straight from hell.

If anything the blood only enhanced that image, at least in Sona and Bikou’s minds.

Koneko was just too stunned by everything as she watched her King slam on her sister with enough force that the ground shook and the black haired nekomata vomited as her body became an imprint on the ground.

Then Rias raised the other woman’s head just to slam it back down to make absolutely sure Kuroka wasn’t going to react as she called a magic circle. For a second the three witnesses believed she was going to blast Kuroka’s head point blank but it wasn’t for a spell, it was to access her personal dimensional pocket.

A knife practically jumped on Rias’ hand, a bulky thing that was used in the military with a saw close to the handle and a sharp edge that could cut through to bone. Not bone from small animals but bone from creatures of the moonlit world. A sort of graduation gift from her mentor and perfect to place on an enemy’s neck.

Just as she did to Kuroka as their eyes met once again, one full of fear while the other held no emotion. “We done?” Rias asked neutrality despite how much pain she had to be in with her skin covered in burns.

When the redhead didn’t hear an immediate reply she pushed the knife closer to Kuroka’s neck. The woman tried to break free but the moment she tried to muster Ki the knife got close enough she had to stop or risk killing herself. Horror filled her eyes as she realized defeat was inevitable.

Panic came next and when Rias noticed the defeated woman’s eyes jumping from one side to another to try and find an exit she realized it was over. “Koneko!” Everything froze and the Rook stood straighter when she heard the call. Rias turned to her with a gentle smile on her lips, taking the knife away just enough for Kuroka to look at her sister. “If you have anything to say, say it. Your sister isn’t taking you anywhere until she has listened.”

The threat was more than clear but Kuroka could care less as the white haired nekomata approached them with caution. She didn’t want to be seen like that, beaten and bruised, not by her little sister who she has always wanted to protect more than anything. The Stray Nekomata demanded her to continue fighting but with her tails beneath her body and Rias on top of her, that was out of the question.

So she laid there and watched as Shirone approached with a confused look, each step as careful as they could be. Skittish even as neither sister ever expected to be in that sort of situation.

Fear was gone from Koneko’s eyes as she got close enough to see the state both fights were on and she would say if asked that it was impressive how much damage a woman could do to another.

Rias mostly to herself as the majority of her burns didn’t come from Kuroka’s Ki but from her own hand in a maneuver the Rook never expected to see from her King. Yet the redhead’s smile, gentle, triumphed, certain, was a rock in the middle of a storm. To Rias her own wounds didn’t matter at all, only that the sisters would talk in more amicable terms.

On the other side the feared Stray Nekomata, a woman who killed her King and most of her peerage before escaping the Underworld, was just a captured kitten. With a defeated expression full of shame she laid there motionless besides for her eyes which moved between her sister and captor. Clearly she wanted to keep fighting but evidently she couldn't do it, not without dying for her troubles.

And so Kuroka wouldn't for her reason to live was approaching, each step marked by increasing courage.

Indeed both sisters wanted that meeting but neither could ever predict the conditions of it.

Nor could they predict the first word out of the youngest mouth. “Why?”

The whole clearing, basically destroyed due to the intense combat, grew quiet as everyone looked at the white haired girl with confusion and worry. Considering everything that happened they all expected a lot more.

Except they didn’t understand it until she elaborated. “Why did you leave me?”

That question hit Kuroka harder than any other blow of the night. It was a pit in her stomach that couldn't stop growing and it was worse than hunger. Doubly so because of the eyes her sister had.

Full of longing, sadness and devoid of joy. “Because I couldn’t protect you.”

“Then why kill them?” Koneko asked quickly, eyes tearing up.

Kuroka wasn’t far behind and Rias couldn’t help but step away from the black haired woman. “Because Naberius wanted to make you into a Super Devil like Sirzechs!” She bit back any pain she felt and managed to stand up, right arm still useless but her left hand managed to reach Koneko. It was an attempt at a hug, one that the girl didn’t run from. “I saw what he did with everyone he experimented on. I was the one who kept most of them alive even when they begged for death.” The one arm hug grew tighter as her eyes became hidden in shadow. “I couldn't let him do that to you! I couldn’t!”

Sona took a step forward. “Maybe if you had explained that to our siblings-”

“That wouldn't work! You devils don’t care… Can’t care.” Kuroka hid her face on Koneko’s neck. With the older sister on her knees they were the same height. “They would just order to kill me and keep going-”

“Our siblings wouldn't.” Sona said quickly before sighing. “But I understand your hesitation… You did kill your King and many other devils later but your reasons are reasonable. Even if it could be argued it was self defense and your reasons were correct a lot of devils want your head.”

Bikou chuckled bitterly. “I hope you aren’t implying anything, Ojou-sama.”

The Heiress of Sitri looked at the man with a scoff. “Not at all. Even if I could take you down I wouldn’t want to kill someone for doing the right thing.” After seeing surprise in his face she turned back to Kuroka. “From my part I would just request that she stop killing devils whenever possible and send her as far away as she could run. I know this isn’t fair but things are how they are.”

Kuroka’s hug grew tighter and Koneko stood there silent for a second before asking another question. “Why didn’t you take me with you? We have been in the streets before…”

Silence took over again with no wind or critters to fill it, everyone watching the Stray Nekomata to see what she was going to say but the woman had nothing. She had realized in that moment that no matter her excuse it wouldn't have been enough, her sister would have followed if she just asked.

However, someone managed to figure out the answer. “Because she didn’t want you to come back to that life.” Rias said calmly even as she held her side in pain, watching the pair with careful eyes. There was no mistake in her posture, if Kuroka tried to kidnap Koneko the redhead would kill her in an instant. “Maybe because she bet one of our siblings was going to be gentle or that your potential would keep you alive. Either way that was both the right and wrong thing to do.” Both nekomatas turned to Rias who smiled sadly. “Leaving a comfortable life may be cruel but leaving your sister alone without an explanation at the whim of devils was even more cruel. Luckily my brother was kind, many wanted Koneko dead for the noble blood you spilled.”

“That was why I left her, because I knew he was kind.” Kuroka’s smile to her sister was gentle and full of love.

Rias couldn’t see it and even if she did there would be no mercy. “Then you should have talked with him, exposed your King and did things the right way.” Her tone was severe and a little cold but honest, the nekomata acknowledging that and taking it in stride. “Then again, maybe that could have failed. You were cornered and took the only option you could see, that is fair. Still you owe Koneko a thousand apologies; for leaving her alone and not explaining anything.”

Truth was that nobody could really blame Kuroka for panicking and making bad choices on that occasion due to a simple fact; she had basically been a child who saw her sister in danger due to their benefactor.

However mistakes still had been made both in the legal sense as well as in the personal one.

Something that the woman accepted whole heartedly. “I know! I know I made a mistake but I am here now.” Leaning back, she looked Koneko in the eyes. Both were crying. “We can be together again.”

Instead of jumping from joy as Kuroka wanted her to do, Koneko shook her head with a sad smile. “I can’t.”

“It’s because-”

“Nya! Finish that sentence and I’m punching you, Nee-chan.” Koneko surprised everyone with that sudden reaction. Ki flowed from her but not in a harmful way as despite the threat the other nekomata felt her energy returning. “I can’t go with you because I also found a family, nya.”

“But-”

“How would you feel if Buchou took you away from your friends?” Asked the more confident younger sister. “You can barely stand. She can do it.”

“Kakaka. Then I would fight too.” Bikou commented but the point was made.

Once they just had each other but the nekomata siblings found their own families when they were separated, families that didn’t share blood but were still important for both of them.

Kuroka wanted to deny that, she wanted to cry, to scream, anything. She wasn’t the only one as Koneko was already crying despite the happy smile on her face. The white haired girl could see that her sister also found people she could count on and was happy for her.

However the sisters realized they couldn’t stay with each other unless one of them was willing to give up their found families. Worse yet since one of them was a criminal it meant contact was also risky so that may be one of the last times they could hold each other.

Unless someone was willing to bend the rules. “You know, most of the time Koneko and I live on Earth, a city called Fuyuki to be more exact.” The nekomatas turned to the redhead who had a cheerful smile.

“Rias…”

“Oh chill, Sona. They are Vali’s friends, the guy probably already told the woman that. Bet that was how she learned that Koneko was my Piece in the first place.”

“Right on the money, kakakaka.” Bikou had no problem confirming it.

“But I digress.” Rias looked Kuroka in the eyes before saying, “You can visit if you want. I won't deny someone meeting their family. But if you drop by I expect you to follow the rules.”

Sona couldn't help herself and facepalmed. “You do realize you are telling that to a criminal.”

Rias waved her off. “She had a good reason, a very good reason.”

“Not the point!”

Both nekomatas looked at the redhead while tilting their heads cutely. “Nya, are you sure?” Asked the older sibling.

“Why not? Not like you can kill me.” Said Rias confidently and Kuroka could only grumble in agreement. “Besides, you need to meet Koneko’s other sibling.”

“‘Other… Sibling’?” Looking at her sister it was clear the Stray Nekomata was a little more than confused.

Koneko nodded in confirmation and a smile. “Nya, you’re going to love Yoruichi-oneechan. She is awesome!”

“Wait, isn’t that-

“But, no more kidnappings!” Rias interrupted Bikou as Sona massaged her temples. That distracted Kuroka enough that her attention went to the King. “She can be both Koneko and Shirone. You both can stay sisters. Your family is only… Bigger than just the two of you.”

Kuroka smiled and nodded. “Nya, fair enough.” She then hugged Koneko from behind and rubbed their heads together, something the little Rook reciprocated. A little nervously for sure but the affection was truly there. “So long as everyone remembers I’m the cooler sister.”

“You and Yoruichi can exchange words later.” Rias planned to record the whole thing, be it a fight or a real fight.

“Kakakaka. Everything ends well when it ends well.” Bikou said out loud before walking towards Kuroka and lifting her by the back of her kimono. “Come on, we should get going. Also we need to patch you up.” He turned to Rias with a look of concern as Kuroka tried to break free. With just an arm she had no chance and Koneko laughed. “Are you going to be okay?”

“Sure, sure. She didn’t hit me that hard.” Rias mocked while flexing her arm.

“Nya? Want to have a round two?”

“Maybe another day, Kitty-cat.”

“Nyahahahahaha!! ‘Kitty-can’!!” Koneko’s laugh grew louder and she failed to completely hold her back.

“Kakakakaka! Oh boy, I can’t wait to tell everyone that one! Kakakaka!” Not only Kuroka had been beaten but also she got a nickname out of it.

“I don’t like this.” Said the newly dubbed Kitty-cat.

“And as the loser you have no right to complain.” Rias proclaimed defiantly, leaving the rest to laugh more.

“Oh I’m going to get you for this, nya. Mark my words!” Kuroka said with a shaken fist.

“Sure, Kitty-cat. Sure.” The Heiress of Gremory waved her away.

Which Bikou took as their cue to leave. “Well, that was fun. Thanks for not killing Kitty-cat or calling your all powerful brother on us.” Kuroka legitimately tried to gouge out his eyes but the man kept her at bay by just extending his arm. “Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. Vali wanted us to deliver a message for Emiya Shirou, just in case we stumbled on him. Can you do us a solid?”

“Sure.” Rias said with an extremely weak shrug that had Koneko by her side in an instant. While the redhead refused to show weakness it was obvious to everyone she was quite tired.

Not that Bikou would pick a fight regardless of everyone’s conditions, he was there as a friend to make sure Kuroka didn’t fall on the deep end, that was all. If that would have entailed the kidnapping of her sister he would have gone for it but he was happy for the actual outcome.

“He told me to say; can’t wait for our rematch when I settle my debt. Kakaka, the last part was Ria’s work because if he didn’t add it she would have beaten him up.”

“Okay, I will pass it along.”

“Great! So now you two can go!” Sona informed with a grunt. “I don’t know if any of you noticed but we have been away from the party too long and I don’t want anyone to come looking and see us colluding with criminals.”

Bikou pointed to himself as Kuroka, Rias and Koneko pointed to him. “But I’m not a criminal.”

“““He isn’t a criminal.”””

The quartet began to laugh and Sona let out a sigh. “Just go. Please. Do it and I will actually turn a blind eye when Kuroka visits.”

“Good enough for me. Kinto-Un!!” All minus Kuroka were surprised by Bikou’s call which made the nekomata chuckle as a cloud descended from the heavens and he placed her on it. It was a yellow cloud, almost gold, and impossible enough neither he or Kuroka fell when they landed. “It was a pleasure to know you all. Hope we can have more fun later. Bye!”

“I’ll visit as soon as I can, nyaaaaaaa!!” Kuroka managed to say with a smile and a wave of her good hand.

Not that anyone could reply as the three still on the ground watched them being carried away by a cloud. “Wasn’t that-”

“No, Rias, just… Don’t. I can’t take any more reveals or implications today.” Sona looked truly stressed and the redhead did as her friend asked and closed her mouth. “I hope you are ready to take any responsibility with Kuroka dropping by Fuyuki sooner or later.”

Another smile bloomed on Rias’ face before she patted Koneko’s head. “Worth it.”

“Buchou…” There was no denying Koneko was still concerned about the future but there was a glint in her eyes now.

A glint of hope that had long since been extinguished but returned to life with a spark. Sure not all her problems or trauma were solved but for the first time in a long time the scars in her heart didn’t ache.

The glint was almost extinct then and there when Rias’ expression changed for one of pain before she dropped on her knees holding her stomach. “Buchou!”

“Rias!” Sona approached quickly, an EM dropping from a magic circle so she could start healing her friend’s several wounds only for her to notice, “They aren’t healing.”

“Nee-chan’s curses.” Koneko put herself to work quickly, white Ki flowing in her hands and massaging her King’s back. When she managed to feel Rias’ body she almost flinched. “Buchou, how did you keep fighting? Your body is full of poison.”

“She what?” Examining the whole fight in her mind Sona was sure Rias had found some sort of solution to neutralize Kuroka’s toxins. “Rias, don’t tell me you failed to block Kuroka’s Youjutsu.”

“Heh, this? This is nothing. Otou-sama’s training was worse.” Joked Rias with a strained smile as her burns began to disappear and wounds heal. “Truth be told I am glad I won back there, don’t think I could have kept going much longer.”

“You insane, stupid, redhead!” Sona wanted to curse badly. “Have you lost your mind?! Fighting like that… Are you suicidal?!”

“Ah~ It isn’t that bad. I managed to block most of the poison in the air. It was just the direct hits that ignored most of my aura.”

“No, there is more, isn’t there? I am sure Kuroka did more damage and you aren’t telling me.” Sona turned to Koneko who removed her hands from Rias’ back to reveal a huge purple cloud in her hands. “What the hell is that?”

“Ki mixed with demonic energy and a small dose of youki.” Koneko replied calmly as her own energy began to burn the cloud. “I finished cleaning you, Buchou.”

“Hmm~ Good job, Koneko.” Rias was already breathing much better and her shoulders relaxed as Sona kept healing her.

Not that the Sitri Heiress had calmed down just because of that. “Answer me; how close were you from dying?”

“Nah, not that close. Using Power of Destruction I managed to eliminate most of the toxins in the air every time I took a shot. Act II also helped since with it I could make my aura more stronger and keep myself in the game.” When all her wounds were closed and with her Rook’s Ki giving her a boost of energy Rias managed to jump to her feet and stretch her back. “Umu~ That fight took a lot of me. A lot. Either way, we need to get back to the party.”

“Are you kidding me? Look at yourself!” Both members of the Gremory blinked and looked at Rias closely.

While truth she was healed, her dress, previously one of the most elegant things she ever wore, was pretty much just a drap that barely protected her modesty with even one of her breasts exposed to the elements.

Also there was the dirt and blood clinging to her body as evidence of everything that occurred over the last few minutes. “If you go back to the party like this, people are going to ask questions! Questions that we don’t need answered if you want Kuroka to visit!”

If she was honest with herself that was something that Sona didn’t want to happen either way. She sympathized and understood the nekomata siblings’ plight but Kuroka was an SS Class, the highest classification that can be given to any criminal. Not the sort of association any noble can have without consequences.

Yet Rias didn’t look slightly bothered. “Don’t worry, don’t worry. If we are caught I will take full responsibility.”

“Some of it will still land on me. I am also the Second Owner of Fuyuki, remember?” Sona began to massage her temples again before shaking her head. “Stay here for a moment. I will call your peerage and we will leave the party. We already made enough waves that it won’t be that much of a problem.”

“Except people will think we are running.” Rias pointed out with a smile before she began to remove what was left of her clothes.

An embarrassed Sona couldn't help but shout. “This is not the time to dwell in your nudist habits!”

“You really worry too much. I have a change of clothing right here.” Said the redhead while summoning another dress, a completely different one, from a magic circle.

“How are you going to explain that?” Asked a baffled Sona while motioning to her friends body.

“Some wine fell on the dress and I decided to change instead of using magic to remove it.” Rias replied with a shrug. “Not like I am the first noble to use that excuse to just show different clothes.”

“That is not… The dried blood and the dirt, Rias! How are you going to explain the dried blood and the dirt?!” Sona watched as a playful grin grew on Rias’ face as she gave Koneko her clothes and underwear while asking her to take several steps back. Then the redhead turned to Sona and opened her arms while waving her eyebrows. “What are you- No, you are kidding me?”

Except Rias wasn't kidding at all, at least not about her idea. “Come on, Sitri. Let’s splash water on each other. I am sure we could sell pictures of that on a calendar or something.”

“I hate you.” Despite saying the words Sona did summon a magic circle.

“No, you don’t.”

…

After his small concert Shirou found himself hounded by dozens of devils and magicians who wanted a piece of him, sometimes literally. Most wanted an explanation of what exactly he had done to Mozart’s piano while others wanted a thorough detailed description of what it was like using a Noble Phantasm.

Others wanted his blood for a thing or another and those ones were quickly shut down by the new twenty guards that arrived at Castle Paix to protect and escort the newly revealed Noble Phantasm.

Musician Will would stay put for the time being as every noble pretty much agreed it needed to be transported to a safer location by a far greater number of protectors. Sirzechs himself stated he would accompany the piano to the capital where it would be put on display while also protected by the Maous themselves when present.

With their guards, peerages, the police force, dozens of volunteers, pretty much a small army was being formed to protect that piano while it was studied and people figured out how to reproduce its divine-like music, Azazel offering to send some experts and his own personnel to help in anything required.

Either way Shirou was still hounded for a good five minutes before he directed all questions to Venelana since it was her idea that started everything. That got quite a few people out of his way but some still tried to get questions about his magic or how he reached out Musician Will with skill alone.

However he caught on a break as the numbers around him diminished and Xenovia appeared to protect him against any peril. That was when he decided to pass her the ball by reminding everyone he just activated Musician Will, Xenovia was touched by it a lot more.

The look of betrayal on her face was pretty funny considering she was his bodyguard and that her job was enough for her to accept his decision. He also convinced Liz to help her escape her new fans as soon as possible while he made his way to hide in some corner of the room until it was time to leave.

At the present Shirou was relaxing by a wall with a glass of some drink from the Underworld he didn’t know the name of but tasked a lot like tuttyfruity. Structural Analysis assured him there was no alcohol or anything harmful in it so he was just enjoying that as the party normalized after the show.

‘Finally some peace.’ He thought after answering another magus’ questions about his magecraft and assure them that yes, it was Structural Analysis that helped him use a Noble Phantasm. “Seriously, just because something is basic doesn’t mean it can’t be useful.”

“Oh my, what is the great Mage of Swords doing in the corner of the room?” Asked someone with a high pitched voice. Already Shirou prepared to deny whatever that person wanted only to bite his tongue at the last moment. “What is wrong, Shiro? Cat got your tongue? Or just looking at me left you lost for words?” Rias asked in her normal voice.

Slapping himself mentally to get rid of his surprise, the first thing Shirou managed to say was, “You changed your dress…”

Placing her hands on her hips aggressively, but also mockingly, Rias chuckled. “Really? That is the first thing you have to say?”

“... It looks like our school uniform.”

He wasn’t wrong as the dress looked like a more elegant and old fashionable version of the girl’s uniform from Kuoh Academy. The top was pretty much the same but slightly more ornamented and the skirt was longer, enough to reach the heels. Colors were also the same down to the black tie above her bosom.

“Didn’t I tell you that our uniform was based on the Underworld’s culture?” She asked, doing a little spin to show him all of the dress.

“Yeah, I think you did. But not that you had a dress matching it almost one to one.” Shirou replied with a chuckle. “What happened to the other dress? I quite liked it.”

“Oh, you know, this and that.” Rias answered with a giggled of amusement. Then her eyes showed sadness. “Sorry, I missed your concerto.”

“Don’t worry, your mother recorded the whole thing.” Already her spirits were raised by his words and the magus knew he would have to watch the video. “Then again, it was more Mozart's concert than mine.” His lover tilted her head in confusion. “His piano is a Noble Phantasm.”

He tilted his head in the instrument’s direction and besides over thirty guards watching the thing like hawks there was an aura that marked it as a crystalized Legend and a line of people trying to get a chance to play it.

None of them was managing to activate the piano completely but that was because they didn’t know the conditions to use Musician Will’s true power. Shirou did but he was going to stay quiet for the time being or be forced to play the whole night long.

“Amazing. To think such a Noble Phantasm was here in the Underworld this whole time. Only you could stumble on something like that, good job Shiro.” Rias said with a beautiful smile as they watched the many trials and errors of magi who desired the Noble Phatasm’s power.

And that was why they failed for music wasn’t something to be hoarded as Mozart himself strived to compose pieces everyone could play and love. That freedom was one of three conditions that allowed Shirou to awaken the Noble Phantasm and technically everyone else could use it as long as they fulfilled the other two.

Unless someone with the right mentality, someone who understood what was to dedicate themselves to a craft with their whole being, then Musician Will won’t guide their hands or inspire other fellow musicians.

Probably many in the band could do it, lots in the audience could too, but the greedy ones were the first in line and so they would fail and fail until they all give up. Quite a show watching that event and knowing they could never succeed, a comedy in the Mage of Sword’s opinion.

But Shirou no longer paid attention to the show as his hand brushed Rias’ hair and took out a twig. “Are you sure you don’t want to tell me something?”

“Later, Shiro, later. It is good news.” Her eyes drifted to the side and he turned to see a collected Koneko apologizing to a frantic Gasper. However he noted her smile, small and bright. “We may have another cat dropping by home from time to time.”

“Now I really want to know.” Yet Shirou just shook his head and held his lover close. “So, what do you want to do since we aren’t going to talk business? I am your date, after all.”

“What do you suggest?”

“A lot but it depends if you are up for it.”

Rias wanted to let out a sigh but accepted the answer. ‘Leave it to him to notice I am more tired than I appear.’ Instead she held it back and pulled him off the wall. “What about dancing? Are you up for it?”

“For you? I don’t see why not.” And so they moved to a corner of the party, the magus stopping her before they began.. “Gremory-sama, would you give me the honor of this dance?” Shirou offered a hand with a bow.

Rias giggled and took it with a curtsy. “The honor is all mine, Emiya-sama.”

After the more animated song from Musician Will the band was now playing a slower, relaxed tune. It was a waltz, a simple one that encouraged intimacy so the message was more than clear. Many couples filled the ballroom as time for business was over and the time of lovers had begun.

Quickly Rias noticed that Shirou was sweating a little more than he should and from the proximity with him she could tell he was also rather tired even if not as much as her. Using Musician Will was exhausting but nothing the Mage couldn’t deal with considering his experience with Noble Phantasms.

A similar thing crossed Shirou’s mind as he noticed the lack of Rias’ perfume and the small smell of blood she had been unable to wash off. More than ever he wanted to stop and ask questions but he trusted the Heiress of Gremory to tell him everything later. At least he knew she was safe and that was fine.

So they danced the night away and left the problems for another day.

…..