"Asia… I'll save you, no matter what…"

Issei gritted his teeth while clutching his wound, walking alone towards an abandoned church. There was a limp in his step, and unsteadiness in his gait, but his eyes blazed defiantly, his determination outpacing his body's limits.

Guh… maybe I should've returned to Buchou before setting off… but then again, she might've tried to stop me. I'm probably being an idiot, but this is something I have to do. I… I have to save Asia!

Stumbling forward, Issei barely caught himself before falling down. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his phone.

"Tch, maybe I should call for help… Buchou will be pissed at me, but if it'll improve our chances of rescuing Asia…"

Limping forward, he sighed and prepared for his king's admonishment when she answered the call.

"You called Uncle Az?"

"Ah, Ritsuka, glad you made it. I have a mission for you. Urgent business."

"Hm? What's up?"

"Remember the Twilight Healing?"

"Yeah. Did she arrive?"

"See now, that's the problem. She should have been here days ago. I received confirmation that she arrived safely in Kuoh a couple days before, but after that, nothing. Raynare should have delivered her already."

"Do you think something went wrong Uncle?"

"I don't know. That's why I'm sending you. Your father and the others are too busy to escort you, so I'm trusting you to handle this alone. This will be your first solo mission, so are you ready?"

"Yeah Uncle Az! I've been ready! I mean, I've already fought in battle before, and besides, this is just an inspection mission right?"

Azazel smiled sadly at her words.

"Yes, but you're only twelve, Ritsuka. You shouldn't be an experienced warrior... Demi-servant or not."

"Don't worry Uncle Az, I'll be back soon!"

Without waiting for a response, Ritsuka turned around and dashed out of the room, her black wings appearing on her back. As soon as her wings cleared the front door, she jumped and soared into the air. In her hasty exit, she nearly forgot to use magic to hide her presence to the normal world.

She's really eager to bring the Twilight Healer here. Although, it makes sense, seeing the state of her family.

Lazily walking down the hall, he paused to gaze into the guest room, where a familiar form slept silently while being hooked up to countless devices. Frowning, Azazel shook his head before continuing down the hall, stepping into his office to peruse some of the reports sent by his scattered agents throughout the world.

Dammit Baraqiel, Ritsuka needs you here, not travelling throughout the world looking for Nozomi. She's gone! Even the Gremory clan, famous for their possessiveness over their peerage and family, acknowledged that she's gone...

Wearily shaking his head, his thoughts shifted towards the young girl he raised.

A demi-servant… when a fragment of a legend merges with a mortal to create a new being, a new legend. Ritsuka has become a monster. Still, to think that the grief of Gilles de Rais could manifest as its own iteration of Jeanne d'Arc. And a classic tsundere to boot! Oh, if only I could show Michael and the rest of Heaven!

Azazel smirked, remembering his indirect interactions with the spirit, using a young Ritsuka as an intermediary. Of all the hidden insults he sent to the prickly spirit in which she should could not respond to without explaining and corrupting the pureness that was young Ritsuka.

Ah, baiting Jeanne Alter is so much fun. And it's not like she'll be summoned any time soon. From what she has revealed to me and my own observations, it will take decades for Ritsuka to build up enough mana reserves to summon her without a "grail" subsidizing the process. Heh, and by then she'll forget about it.

Flipping through a few more reports, Azazel absentmindedly signed off a few more assignments before sighing. Looking out the window in the direction his young ward flew in, he took in a deep breath.

I hope you aren't fooling around Raynare, Ritsuka isn't as forgiving as I when it comes to playing around on the job…

As Ritsuka blitzed through the air, her face was marred with a grim determination. Gusts of wind buffeted the people below here as she soared by, but she refused to relent.

Wow Master, you're leaving quite the trail of mayhem behind you. I've never seen you this driven before. What's the big deal?

Oh right, you weren't listening a few days ago about the Twilight Healer.

What's so special about it?

It's a sacred gear that heals indiscriminately. There are few things that it cannot treat. Few people that it cannot save.

Huh, like a healing Noble Phantasm? Why would… ah… I see. I understand. Why the hell would Raynare goof around when she's so urgently needed?

I don't know, but we're about to find out.

Hmph. Don't hesitate to use my power again. I trust your judgement on what punishment the fools that stand before you deserve.

Like Blackbeard?

Especially like Blackbeard! And that shitty Saber maid!

I still don't remember her Jeanne Alter.

Good! You are better off not remembering that bitch!

Still… I wish I remembered more, Jeanne Alter… about Chaldea and the others.

Don't worry about it Master, the fact that you can remember tidbits of your old life is enough for me. Much of your time there is a bit horrific to be honest, so don't worry about remembering for now and enjoy your childhood a bit more. Wanna go to the beach after we slaughter Raynare and the others?

Why are you always assuming that we are going to kill them?

Well, isn't violence usually the answer to our problems Master?

I hate how true that is…

Hahahaha! Regardless, let's get this over with and bring the Twilight Healer back! I think we're overdue for a family trip, don't you think?

Yeah… I think Mom would like that… and Dad will know all the good places to go…

He better come back after this, I'll give him a sampling of hellfire next time we see him if he doesn't.

Be nice…

He's a fallen angel, Master! He deserves a bit either way! Especially for all those restless nights back at the shrine...

...? What are you talking about Jeanne?

Ask your parents later when they are back.

Uh… ok?

Frowning at her servant's reluctance to elaborate, Ritsuka shifted her gaze to approaching ruined church. Sensing the auras of familiar angels, she lowered her altitude and gracefully landed before the entrance. Three fallen walked out to greet her, all palling at the unintentional scowl upon Ritsuka's face

"You guys have a lot of explaining to do."

"Your visit is… most unexpected, Lady Ritsuka. But what do you mean we have some explaining to do? We've been performing our tasks as expected."

"Is that so Dohnaseek? Then why hasn't the Twilight Healer arrived yet? She was expected a couple days ago."

"She has arrived, and we are holding her as per instructions. Didn't Raynare report it?"

"No, and what do you mean she's 'being held'? She should have been delivered to Uncle Az as soon as she got here!"

Dohnaseek, Kalawarner, and Mittelt looked at each other in mutual confusion, unsure as to how to respond to Ritsuka's words. But before they could gather their thoughts, a certain pervert with a red gauntlet burst out of the bushes, haggard and panting, but eyes gleaming with determination.

"Hey you bastards! Give back Asia!"

Summoning all the bluster and resolve he could muster, the pervert stood alone against his foes. The fallen angels before him looked at him in shock, before the elder three angels gave him patronizing and sadistic smiles. But what he found the most unnerving was the smallest one, a child with black and vermillion hair looked at him with shock and increasing annoyance before adopting a fierce scowl.

"Dohnaseek. Explain to me why the Grigori were not notified that Hyoudou Issei was converted into a devil?"

"Because Raynare was careless and didn't stay to make sure there were no devils around when she killed him."

"Excuse me? Your orders were to watch Issei and to escort the Twilight Healer to safety. Why the hell would Uncle Az have a sacred gear holder killed without reason?"

"Because he is a potential threat?"

"Is this your reasoning or Raynare's, Dohnaseek?"

"..."

"Your silence speaks volumes."

Turning her back towards the elder fallen, Ritsuka casually walked towards the new devil, her eyes stern but with a hint of sympathy. Bowing politely, she casually introduced herself.

"Hello Hyoudou-san, my name is Himejima Ritsuka. I wish our introduction was on better terms, but time isn't on our side. Would you kindly tell me what happened to you over the past few days? It would seem my friends here were being stupid."

"Talk? There's not time to talk! Return Asia to me!"

"I might, IF you tell me what happened to you."

Issei paused, staring at the little girl in confusion before glancing back at the other fallen. Noticing the shift in his eyes, Ritsuka turned her head to face her compatriots.

"Don't you dare try to scare him into not talking. If I get a hint of you doing that, you will burn. Am I clear?"

Quietly nodding, the three fallen averted their eyes. Their presence seemed to shrivel and shrink in comparison to the oppressive aura of the small child. Beads of sweat formed on Issei's face, the quiet pressure of the child affecting him despite not being the intended recipient. He could only gulp nervously when her bronze eyes shifted back to him.

"Now then Hyoudou-san, tell me what happened, briefly."

Taking a deep breath, Issei took a moment to calm himself.

This little girl must be a head honcho. Maybe she's older than she looks like the others? I don't think it was a good idea to take on all these angels at once now that I think about it. Maybe chatting briefly won't be a waste of time? At least it gives Buchou and the others a chance to catch up.

Nodding, Issei began to speak, telling the tale of a lovely first date that ended in treachery, tragedy and rebirth as a devil. Of meeting Asia, befriending the nun, and of course, Buchou's wondrous rack.

This guy is an idiot, no an idiot pervert. If it wasn't for the fact that he tried to create such a wonderful normal first date, I'd think he was a molester based on how much he won't stop talking about boobs.

Master, this guy reminds me of Blackbeard. Can we kill him out of principle?

Like Raynare? No thanks.

Still sounds tempting to me, Master.

Shaking her head, Ritsuka refocused on the idiotic perverted victim before her. As much as she tried to discern falsehood with Jeanne Alter's assistance, she could find nothing but disturbing sincerity. Especially about the breasts. Sighing, she looked towards the other three fallen, who were anxiously staring at her, like criminals awaiting their fates before a harsh judge.

It would seem that these three are loyal, but didn't bother to question whether or not Raynare was acting in the best interests of the Grigori or simply indulging in their sadism. How annoying. And now there are several devil signatures approaching. Gremory's peerage… sister's peerage… I need to be quick before she arrives.

"The three of you are idiots, not thinking about whether or not Raynare's actions made sense. Once we get back, you WILL be punished. But Uncle Az will be nice if you do a good job now."

Solemnly nodding, the three looked anxiously on, awaiting her instructions.

"Dohnaseek, Kalawarner, stall the Gremory Peerage but do not fight them, are we clear?"

The pair raised a brow in confusion but did not question her orders, instead immediately taking to the air to intercept the incoming devils.

"Mittelt, go inside and clear out the exorcists. Tell them to return to base. If they don't leave, treat them as traitors deserve. I don't want to see a single one when I go inside to deal with Raynare."

"Got it."

Upon receiving her orders, Mittelt smiled as she rushed inside, relishing in the thought of maybe venting her frustrations on some humans, or at the very least, imagining Raynare's rapidly approaching fate.

"As for you Hyoudou-san, go in and be a hero. Rescue the girl, but keep Raynare talking. Get her to reveal her plans. Once you do, I'll go in and punish her."

"Got it!"

Without hesitation, Issei charged forward, only to fall backwards when Ritsuka grabbed his arm and pulled him back.

Ow! What the hell is she made of? Koneko?

"Idiot! Give Mittelt a few minutes to clear out the exorcists before charging in!"

"But you said…"

"Be a hero, not a boob-driven fool."

"Ugh…"

"Be patient, it will only be a few more minutes."

At her words, Issei paced behind her, barely able to vent out his impatience.

Dammit, dammit, dammit! We need to hurry up! This girl told her allies not to fight Buchou, but the longer we wait, the more likely things will get out of hand. Let's go already, dammit!

His patience however, was rewarded as stray exorcists streamed out of the church like a torrent. Of the crowd, a deranged exorcist sporting a manic smile separated from the crowd, light sword drawn.

"Hm? Is that the pathetic shitty devil from before? Oh this will be a…."

His words died in his mouth upon seeing Ritsuka's scowl. Growling in irritation, he turned his back and began to run with the others, shouting in frustration as his back faded into the distance.

"You little piece of shit devil! I'm going to enjoy killing you later, just when you aren't hiding behind the Fucking Inquisition like the little bitch that you are!"

Issei could only stare dumbly at the fleeing exorcists, not even noticing that Ritsuka had already released his arm.

"Uh… what just...?"

"The way is finally clear and now you want to stand around and do nothing?"

"Oh shit, you're right! I'm coming Asia!"

Snapping out of a vulgar exorcist induced daze, Issei shook his head and slapped his cheeks before charging forward into the newly vacated church.

Chuckling, Ritsuka took a step in before turning to face the direction Dohnaseek and Kalawarner flew to meet the devils.

Nee-san… I hope you're alright…

Wistfully shaking her head, she walked into the church.

A traitor needed to face their trial.

A fierce scowl formed on Rias's face as she led her peerage in a hasty march towards the ruined church. She was unusually quiet, with her peerage not speaking a word, hoping not to interrupt whatever plans their King was formulating in her mind.

Issei, you idiot! Had you come back first, we could have made and a plan to deal with the Fallen! As your king, it is my duty to punish you! But what would be an appropriate punishment? I know, you deserve a spanking after this! Maybe even two or three! Is two or three too much? Should I go up to a thousand? That's what Sona would recommend… but he is new… Hmm…

A bright light snapped Rias out of her thoughts as two fallen angels appeared before her and her peerage. Kiba and Koneko immediately positioned themselves between the Fallen and their king, with sword drawn and fists raised, their killing intent leaking out. Akeno calmly stood by Rias's side, a frown forming on her face upon seeing Dohnaseek.

"I'm afraid I cannot allow you to go any further Rias Gremory. I have orders to keep you and your peerage here uninvolved with Grigori matters until this incident is resolved."

"Uninvolved!? After what you all have done to Issei, you have the gall to say we aren't involved?!"

Rias's aura exploded in rage, the power of destruction oozing around her, only for it to dissipate with Akeno's gentle touch upon her shoulder.

"Wait just a moment Buchou."

Calmly walking forward, Akeno stood between her peerage and the fallen angels, her arms crossed while she addressed them.

"It's been a long time, hasn't it Dohnaseek?"

"Indeed, Lady Akeno. About 7 years now, hasn't it?"

"Will you let us through? I don't want to fight a familiar face, especially one who stood by my original family."

"I cannot Lady Akeno, my orders are strict. We cannot allow you to advance any further. This is for your own good, as well as our own. After all, the Inquisition is here."

Dohnaseek winced upon saying the word, with Kalawarner shuddering upon its utterance. His gaze shifted away from Akeno and towards Rias, who stared back with a complicated expression on her face. Taking a few steps forward, she walked to Akeno's side and spoke.

"Is she… is she really there?

"Yes."

Kiba and Koneko quickly glanced at their king in confusion, before turning their attention back at the fallen angel, who merely stood in their path.

"Buchou?"

"The situation has become incredibly complicated Kiba, if what he says is true, we can't advance recklessly. However…"

Taking another step forward, Rias condensed her power of destruction into an orb and pointed it directly at the fallen before her.

"That could easily be a lie to slow us down."

Both Dohnaseek and Kalawarner's eyes widened as they took a step back, wings unfurled, preparing to flee. Noting their lack of resistance, Rias dissipated the energy and crossed her arms.

"She ordered you not to fight us, didn't she?"

The pair nodded, unable to suppress the cold sweat that took hold of them as they faced the Princess of Destruction. Nodding in satisfaction, she signalled for her peerage to stand down.

"Then call her. I will be coming to pick up Issei and you will not stop me. I am willing however, to accommodate her needs. Tell her that I'm willing to come with only one member of my peerage, my rook Koneko."

Nodding in acceptance, Dohnaseek glanced at Kalawarner who flew back a distance and created a magical formula. Without waiting, Rias walked forward with Koneko behind her. Dohnaseek merely stepped aside as they walked by, his face betraying a bitter expression.

Raynare… this entire endeavor has become a colossal pain in the ass. I wish I could see you as you burn for this mess.

Turning to face the remaining devils, Dohnaseek noticed the apprehension in their eyes as their king left them behind. He quickly found himself smiling wryly, as he realized he probably had the same expression as theirs, but for very different reasons.

"Raynare!"

Roaring in fury, Issei abandoned any sense of stealth when he saw Asia's state. Opening a door to a side room in the church's basement, he found Asia's holding area. Her clothes were torn and tattered, her body covered in bruises while being chained to a cross. All the while, Raynare stood before her, gently caressing a riding crop, striking her victim again.

So focused on her victim, Raynare did not notice a thing before she heard Issei's roar, and the ensuing fist to her face.

"What… How the hell did you make it in here!? There's no way a pathetic little devil could have made it past all those exorcists and fallen angels!"

"Maybe you underestimated me, Yu- no Raynare. I'm going to kick your ass, rescue Asia, and go home."

"Right…"

Unamused, she promptly summoned 2 spears of light and struck his legs, swiftly bringing him to his knees. Horrified, Asia cried out in terror at the sight of her first friend falling once more to protect her.

"ISSEI! NO! Don't die! Please!"

"Geez, the two of you are annoying. I'm feeling nice though, so I think I'll kill you before I finish with my cute little Asia here. Spare you the sight and all, hehehehehe…"

Snarling, the perverted teen glared at his tormentor.

"Oh, and what would that be, you sadistic bitch?!"

Smirking cruelly, she struck him once more with another spear of light, collapsing him into the ground, heedless of Asia's panicked begging.

"Simple, I'm going to take her Twilight Healing from her. It'll be a slow, empty death for her, but her death will be well worth the adulations of Azazel-sama! Oh, the praises I shall receive for how useful I was to the Grigori! But for you, this is the end. Don't worry, I'll send you your new girlfriend soon after!"

Raising her hand, light once more gathered to form a spear. Grinning like a joyful executioner, her hand fell, only for it to be impaled by a purple stake.

"Gyah! What the-"

More stakes flew into the room, pinning her wings into the wall, locking her legs together, and crippling her arms. Hellfire seeped into the room as armored footsteps grew ever louder. Fear settled into Raynare's form as she desperately tried to escape, heedless to the damage of the stakes ripping into her flesh as she wiggled and squirmed. Her blood flowed to the floor, only for it to steam and evaporate as the heat of the hellfire ever intensified.

"You have quite the nerve Raynare… Not only did you kill an observation target without just cause, but you tortured a VIP and plotted to steal her powers for yourself. For such treachery, there can only be one outcome, one judgement."

"No… no no no no no! I did nothing wrong! I didn't do anything! It's that devil's fault!"

Tears of utter terror streamed from Raynare's cheeks as a small child, adorned in black armor and a cloak, bearing the banner of a dragon walked into the room. Her bronze eyes were replaced by that of lumenant gold, promising an indifferent, harsh judgement. Issei and Asia could only watch on, petrified by fear at her terrible, if tiny countenance.

"Idiot. You've already confessed… All that remains is your punishment."

"Issei… please…"

The perverted teen cringed at the voice, Yuuma's voice as his "first" girlfriend appeared once more.

"Please… don't let her do this to me…"

"You wench... You toy with your victim's heart even now? I should burn you as you stand… but for once, I'll let someone else decide. Hyoudou-kun, you were her primary victim. What should be done with her? Should she be spared? Should she die?"

"I…"

Looking at the bloodied form of his first love, the pleading eyes of the girl he tried his best to bring happiness to, he turned his gaze and hobbled towards Asia.

"Do whatever you want."

"Very well."

"Issei, no I- GIYAAAAAAAA!"

Hellfire erupted from the ground and consumed the Fallen angel, leaving nothing but ashes to fall upon the floor. Unamused, a sword materialized in the child's hand as she walked towards the bound nun. Asia's apprehension soon turned to relief after her bonds were destroyed, allowing her to rush forward and heal her first friend. The pair smiled in relief, content to be in each other's company as the child watched on, nodding in satisfaction. Then after a few minutes of comfortable silence, the child finally spoke up, outstretching her hand towards the nun.

"Now that everything has been settled, it's time for you to come with me, Asia the Twilight Healer. You are late as is."

The pair looked at the child apprehensively, with Issei positioning himself between Asia and the powerful child.

"As much as I owe you for kicking Raynare's ass, I don't think she should stay with the Grigori, not after everything has happened."

"You make it sound as if you have a say in the matter. She WILL come with me, with or without your permission Hyoudou-kun."

The pair cringed as mana saturated the room. Her eyes narrowed in frustration before she took another step forward.

"Now is not the time for this. Your king is already on her way Hyoudou-kun, and if I'm still here when she arrives, it could easily devolve into a fight. One that could easily put Asia at risk. We need to leave, NOW."

"But…"

"Fine, I swear in the name of Azazel, leader of the Grigori, that I will return Asia to you should she desire it. But seriously, we need to leave!"

Indecision wracked Issei, until a familiar hand grasped his shoulder.

"It'll be fine Issei, she won't let me come to harm."

"But, how do you know that Asia?"

"I can see it in her eyes. I've seen it too many times before. There is someone who you need me to save, isn't there?"

Ritsuka's eyes widened in surprise before relaxing into a wry smile.

"Yes. My mother"

"Then I'll come with you, but can you drop me off at Issei's house afterwards?"

"Of course. Are you ready?"

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Asia wrapped her arms around the small child before turning to look at her friend.

"I'll see you soon Issei. You'll wait for me, right?"

"Of course, you better come right back! I still need to introduce you to my parents."

Nodding, Asia yelped when they suddenly took to the air, Ritsuka destroying the floors and ceilings that stood between them and the open sky. All the while, Issei could only silently watch from below, barely concealing his worry.

The awkward silence that surrounded Rias's remaining peerage and the awaiting fallen angels was shattered as splinters of the church's roof scattered across the land.

"Hmph, looks like Raynare bit the dust… or rather became it. Good riddance."

Taking to the air, Dohnaseek and Kalawarner followed after them, with only Dohnaseek pausing to face Akeno.

"Farewell Lady Akeno, may we next meet under better circumstances."

"Indeed. Say hi to Uncle Azazel for me, will you?"

"Of course."

Glancing over to Kiba, she motioned with her eyes to come with her. Nodding, they both took off in a sprint towards the smoldering church.

"Ise, you are alright!"

"Buchou!"

Shuddering in relief, Rias ran forward and embraced her wayward pawn, completely ignoring the now smouldering church around them.

"I was so worried about you!"

"I'm sorry Buchou… but I couldn't leave Asia alone with those monsters."

"What's important is that you are ok. So what happened here?"

After briefly glancing around at the slowly burning church around them and noticing Koneko's and Rias's utter nonchalance, he bashfully scratched the back of his head and averted their gaze.

"Well Buchou… it started after Raynare ambushed me again after a date..."

Rias's mood shifted from her previous exuberance to a more serious stare as she listened to her pawn's tale, with her breath briefly hitching when she heard Ritsuka's name. From then on, she listened with rapt attention, never uttering a word until Issei finished.

"I see, so something drastic must have happened to her family… Issei, you are to NEVER speak of that fallen angel's name again. The same goes for you Koneko. This is an absolute order. If you must refer to her, call her by her moniker, The Inquisition."

At her order, her pawn and her rook held looks of confusion with Koneko tilting her head in curiosity before nodding in compliance. Her perverted pawn on the other hand...

"Ok… but why Buchou?"

"I can't tell you why right now, but I am completely serious Ise, Koneko. If you carelessly speak her real name, it will cause a host of problems I can't deal with yet. I'll explain later when it's safe."

"Oh… ok, so just call her by that ominous nickname, The Inquisition... Got it."

"Good. Oh, and Koneko, hold Ise down."

"Eh!? Why?!"

"You've been a naughty child Ise, and it is the king's duty to punish unruly members of her peerage. You deserve a spanking. Normally, you are supposed to get a thousand, but since you are new, I think we can settle for five."

"Wait, what?!"

Forced on all fours, he could only watch in horror as a magical formula formed on Rias's hand. The horror made manifest as the impact stuck him with such force that he felt it in his soul.

"Oh god! Ouch! Why does this hurt so much!"

"Don't worry Issei, only 4 more to go!"

Tears of pain streamed down Issei's cheeks as his other cheeks cried out in pain. Even Koneko's distaste for the pervert could not suppress her urge to wince at each strike, pitying him for being punished after helping a girl instead of his usual harassment. After the final strikes, she gently pulled up her perverted comrade, steadying him as his balance was as obliterated along with his bottom.

"Good, let's go outside and meet up with the others. Oh and Issei, if you accidently say that fallen angel's name, you can expect 10 thousand spankings, ok?"

"Understood Buchou! I won't say a word! I swear to god! Ow!"

Shaking her head at her pawn's antics, Rias and Koneko ran out of the now fully burning building with Issei carried like a sack of potatoes by the smaller girl. Immediately after escaping the church, they found Akeno and Kiba, who immediately began preparing teleportation circles. But even as she prepared, Akeno spared a concerned glance towards the pawn.

"Is Issei ok? He can barely stand, did the angels hurt him? Will he be alright?"

"Ah, don't worry Akeno, I merely administered his punishment. He'll be fine."

"Oh, that's good."

Akeno sighed in relief before mischievously smirking at the pervert.

"Ara, ara, I wonder how harsh Buchou was in punishing you Issei to be put in such a state…"

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Oh? Hehehe."

"Enough teasing him Akeno, we need to meet Sona immediately. The situation has become incredibly complicated."

"Hm? What happened Buchou?"

"I'll explain when we reach the Student Council. No need to explain the same thing twice."

"Understood."

"This is most unusual Rias, what happened?"

"The Inquisition happened."

Narrowing her eyes, Sona took a deep breath and rested her head upon her hands. Concerned, both her and Rias's peerage anxiously looked on, before Saji finally spoke up.

"So yeah, what's this about an Inquisition, Kaichou?"

"Saji… remember when I said the three factions are currently under a ceasefire?"

"Yeah?"

"Around two years ago, the cease fire nearly collapsed and we were on the verge of open war."

"Wait, really?"

"Yes. It started when over a third of the Vatican's leadership in the Americas were burned to a crisp over the course of around 15 to 18 months."

"Holy shit! Are you serious?!"

"Indeed. They were all killed by a single Grigori. With minimal help, she broke into every stronghold the Vatican had in North and South America, and judged all the clergy she found. Any found wanting were left as nothing more than a pile of warm ashes."

"And the Vatican did nothing in response?!"

"At first they were out for her blood, until they reviewed the evidence left behind. Every member she killed were guilty of heinous crimes or consorting with devils. After that came to light, the church had no idea what to do. She was disrespecting the church's authority with her blatant killings, but she was also purging them of all their traitors. They also had to consider that all the stray devils in whatever region she currently was in also tended to die excruciating deaths too. She was so effective at it that the Vatican gave her the moniker of The Inquisition due to how brutally effective she was at destroying treason and heresy."

A stunned silence befell the group before Rias decided to add to Sona's explanation.

"She's even incinerated her fellow Grigori. Nii-sama complained to me that most of his contacts and agents in the Grigori were brutally purged by her. And Raynare, that bitch of a fallen angel that was toying with my adorable pawn felt her wrath. I missed it unfortunately, but Issei saw first hand how terrifying she could be."

Issei shuddered at the memories of Raynare's final moments. Shaking his head to force out the memories of her dying screams, he opened his eyes to see the concerned looks of his fellow devils.

"Yeah… I mean she promised not to hurt me or Asia, but it was scary how easily she crushed Yu- Raynare and incinerated her. With Raynare, I felt like I had a shot, a tiny chance to beat her. The Inquisition though… it was like I was facing an immortal, pissed off judge as a bound criminal. A wrathful god that could crush me at any moment for doing something it didn't like."

At his words, both peerages briefly fell silent before the devils began discussing potential counter measures in dealing with The Inquisition, as well as any possible motives for her presence in the area in the first place beyond a rogue fallen angel. But during the discussions a certain pervert stood silent, lost in his thoughts.

Did… did I make the right decision? That chibi has killed so many already… did I condemn Asia to her fickle rules? Please Asia, be alright…

"Uncle Az, how is she?"

"Physically, she's fine Ritsuka, but…"

"But she's not waking up… Why?! No matter how much I heal her, she won't wake up! Twilight Healing has never failed like this before! So why…"

Panting from the exertion, Asia continued to pour her strength into the Twilight Healing in a vain attempt to heal her charge. It was only until she was gently pulled away by Azazel that she stopped her ministrations.

"Asia, stop. You've done all you can. Her body is in pristine condition now, what is damaged is her soul, which is beyond even your ability to heal."

"So not even the greatest healing sacred gear that Gramps made can save her? Is mom never going to wake up...?"

A twang a panic seeped into Ritsuka's voice as she stared at her mother's unwaking body, tears but a moment away from being shed. Asia could only watch on in guilt before tears of shame started pouring from her own eyes.

"Oi, what's with the tears girls? It's not like she's going to die in a few moments. Her condition is better than before, and now we can focus on searching for ways to restore her soul. Sure, it's not the immediate quick fix that we wanted, but at least things are better now."

Blinking away a few tears, Ritsuka's gaze shifted to her decidedly unreliable uncle.

"Really Uncle Az?"

"Would I lie to you Ritsuka?"

Master, remember when Vali gave you his stuffed white dragon and it disappeared? The ass lied about hiding it and it took us hours to find it again.

You're right Jeanne Alter! Never again shall we leave a comrade unprotected against the world! For Faf-nee! For Luci-nii!

At her unamused glare, he coughed and glanced to the side, remembering the impressive tantrum the girl had.

"What I meant to say was, would I lie to you about something like this?"

"No…"

"What I mean is that thanks to Asia's efforts, we no longer have to fear the poison that was still running rampant in her system, I can unplug most of these machines now and focus on my research."

"Unplug the machines, Uncle Az?"

"Ah right, I never did explain what they do, did I?"

Shaking her head, she and Asia took a few steps back, listening to Azazel's words with rapt attention while he powered down and dismantled his machines.

"Long ago, there was a princess cursed by a wicked fairy that on her birthday, she will be pricked by a needle and fall into a deep sleep. Her parents, fearing for her safety, banned all spindles in their kingdom, only to fail to stop the prophecy. But instead of dying, she and their kingdom merely fell into a deep slumber, only to awaken a century later when a brave prince braved the thorns and woke her with a kiss. The entire kingdom, once covered by thorns of the curse awoke as if nothing had happened. No one had aged, nothing had changed. It was as if time had frozen for the kingdom."

After the machines were safely powered down, he began dismantling them, revealing relics of the fae; charmed jewels, blessed cloths, magical herbs and leaves.

"Using that story as a base, I was able to mimic its effects. Didn't you find it strange Ritsuka? That your mom stayed the same, no wrinkles on her face, no changes to her health? Only the scrunching of her face to show her pain."

Ritsuka and Asia could only stare at the fallen angel in awe.

"I froze her time until we could heal her. Now that Twilight Healing as treated her wounds and nullified the poison effects, we have no need to waste power and money to keep her in stasis. Her soul will be in better condition too. Remember the saying 'Mind over matter'? Just as the mind affects the body, so too does the body affect the mind. Neither is free of influence of the other. And the soul does not exist in a vacuum independent of them. Together, they form a trinity, that makes the self."

At his words, a small smile formed on Asia's lips.

"So even though I failed to wake her, I was still able to help her. She's closer to being saved."

"Yep, you did a good job kiddo. We are but a small step away from saving her and reuniting a broken family. I have an idea on how to restore her soul, but I currently lack the means to."

"What!? You know a way Uncle Az?!"

In utter desperation, Ritsuka ran forward and tightly gripped his clothes, tears in her eyes as she looked up into her guardian's eyes...

"What do we need to do?! Is there another trial I need to face? A monster I need to vanquish?! Is there anything I can do!?"

...only to be met with a sad smile.

"Nope, something beyond your abilities… Politics."

"Politics?"

Nodding he gestured towards their guest.

"For example, I knew about sacred gear Twilight Healing, but I had no way to enlist Argento-san's help until those fools at the church exiled her… Kinda glad you didn't purge all their incompetents Ritsuka."

"Hey! I wasn't that bad!"

Pouting, Ritsuka merely crossed her arms in annoyance while Asia giggled. Seeing that the young girl was too upset to talk, she spoke in her stead.

"So Azazel-san… does that mean you require another person's help to treat Himejima-san?"

"Yep, but unlike you, no amount of intrigue or circumstances will push him away from his faction. If we want his help, we need a peace treaty so I can formally request his aid. Unfortunately for Ritsuka, she can't help with this problem."

"Is it because she's too young?"

"Yeah that too, and the fact that she's humiliated the Vatican quite a few times. Hard to become an ambassador when the other side doesn't know if they want to… *ahem* embrace you or kill you."

At his words, both girls tilted their heads in confusion while Azazel wore a mischievous smirk.

Ritsuka's eyes have become unfocused, she's asking Jeanne Alter what do I mean by that. So you immature Tsundere, will you corrupt the child you inhabit, or will you do your best to stave off a child's curiosity, only to make her even more curious.

Chuckling, Azazel shook his head before motioning the girls to follow him. Leading them to Ritsuka's room, he motioned them to go inside.

"Well then Argento-san, I know you wanted to return to Issei-kun's side right away, but after all the trouble we put you though, it wouldn't feel right to just drop you off. Spend the night here with Ritsuka-chan while I put together some paperwork and pay off the right officials so you can stay without any problems. It's the least I can do after all the trouble I put you through and all the help you've given us despite it."

Bowing her head, Asia merely smiled.

"No, thank you Azazel-san. After all, if it wasn't for you, I never would have met my first friend Issei and experienced the outside world. Thank you."

The fallen angel could only smile bashfully at the nun's earnest reply, simply muttering:

"Why on Earth would Micheal let a good kid like you get excommunicated…"

With a sigh, he merely shooed the girl into Ritsuka's room.

"Hah… you really are too sweet kid, go on and get some sleep. Tomorrow we'll send you back to Issei."

Nodding, she walked inside only to find a nervous Ritsuka fidgeting on her bed.

"Sorry Asia… I only have one bed in the room… If you don't want to share though I can take a chair or something."

Shaking her head, Asia merely smiled at how adorable her new friend was being and sat next to her.

"Don't worry about it. Before my sacred gear manifested, sometimes I had to bunk with my fellow nuns. A life of piety in the service of the lord does not bring wealth, and sometimes there were not enough beds to go around. After becoming a 'holy maiden', I was isolated from my fellows, it was lonely. In a way, this is a return to how things were before everything got complicated."

"Huh, before I came to live with Uncle Az, I used to sleep with my sisters… then everything went wrong and my mom was hurt. Now all I have to keep me company is Faf-nee and Luci-nii. Do you think you can treat Faf-nee?"

Pointing at two stuffed dragon plushies of black and white, Asia noticed the black one was charred and burnt. Noticing Ritsuka's longing gaze, she could only smile apologetically.

"Sorry Ritsuka… my sacred gear doesn't work on plushies, but I can ask Issei if he knows anyone that can fix it. He showed and taught me so many things about the outside world, I bet he'd know where we should go to get Faf-nee treated!"

"Really? He seemed kinda unreliable though… "

"Nope! He's the best!"

"Heh, I suppose he is. Wanna trade stories then? Tell me what's so great about him, and I'll tell you about what's great about my family."

"Hehe… is this what a sleepover is like?"

"Yep! A sleepover! Oh oh, that means we have to talk about boys, and play games! I have co-op video games if you want to try some!"

"I'm not so sure.. I've never played before…"

"Everyone starts somewhere… besides, I bet Issei plays a few. You do want to do things with Issei, Right?."

Ritsuka unintentionally accented one too many words in that sentence. Asia could only blush in embarrassment before nodding, much to the child's delight and subsequent squee of joy.

"But only after trading stories first, Ritsuka!"

"Fine fine, but I wanna hear juicy things!"

The sound of laughter, giggles and games echoed throughout the manor, while a satisfied Azazel worked on paperwork, transferring funds to the right people and texted orders to subordinates.

Ritsuka is laughing, and not the Jeanne Alter influenced kind. She finally sounds like the kid she is supposed to be. Ritsuka needed this. Hm… Asia is a good kid, but unprotected from the whims of an unscrupulous devil, stray or no.

I think I have Ritsuka's next assignment lined up.

A mischievous smile formed on his face as various ideas formed in his mind...

"Besides, what's the worst that could happen?"

Author's Notes

Heya Peeps!

Weren't expecting (editor-kun was here) a new chapter so fast were you? I wrote most of this chapter a while ago as you guys may have remembered, so really all I had to do was edit some scenes and add a few more at the end. I think it turned out ok. Going to be the last chapter for while where Ritsuka burns someone to death, as much as I know you guys love seeing that.

As for Vali being a bit like Bakugo, when I was doing research about young Vali, I found out that he was a bit of a chuunibyou, aka a mild Megumin. So what would a mild Megumin do when they gain a traumatized little sister?

Become their hero of course!

But you are also a blood knight that likes getting into fights and was exposed to shonen anime by Azazel.

Chuuni + blood knight + shonen hotbloodedness = Young Vali channelling Bakugo without realizing it.

That aside, it will be a while before I update this story again. I need to work on Dragon Saint and Truth next, and finalize the prologues for the next stories.

Lastly, what is going on with the polls? Every time I check the numbers fluctuate. Compared to a few months ago, the favorites have completely changed. I actually don't know anymore what I'll be writing in the future at this rate, lol.

Right then, off to start writing the next chapter of Dragon Saint, see you guys then!

Editor's Notes:

So, this is probably the third or fourth rundown I had of this chapter, so it's pretty solid from what I edited before and now. It is not Chiyuubi…

(Author's Notes: I utterly butchered the spelling and Editor-kun won't let me live it down.)

...but Chuuni or Chuunibyou for the actual illness. 'Tis a tragic disease that even I had the displeasure of going through, the duration of which I was afflicted I dubbed "The Dark Days". I've recovered from them however, and here I am now rambling about it. Oh how time flies.

So, from editing this chapter and the last once more and going between playing Competitive on Destiny 2 and Shadowbringers in FFXIV, I can say two things:

"Who doesn't love a good inquisition every now and then?" and "I don't hate the scent of burnt priests in the morning."

*confused editor face*