Disclaimer: Campione! was written by Taketsuki Jou, I get nothing out of writing this fanfic save personal satisfaction (and possibly reviews).

Author's Notes: I would like to apologize for the long hiatus. Sorry. Part of it was due to how, lack of appreciation to chapter 11 (Yuri and Hikari). Especially since I worked really hard to make it work, and deep down I really liked the chapter. I tried to rewrite it, using my normal style... but I kept failing and putting it off and failing. And resulted to the Hiatus. because I realized that I really did like the style, it felt unique to the twins. So I'm keeping it! I'll improve on the chapter later, or make it shorter so that it doesn't feel like an info dump.

I'd also like to thank Thanathos for the long conversation we had on pm for the past few days and nights. I was able to keep my mind mostly on trying to write on this chapter, instead of my issues about work. Most our topics might not have been relevant to the chapter, but it kept my mind on Campione! and my story. Thanks!

Please note that I've forgotten whatever I've said in the previous author's notes about future chapters (time does that XD)... so whatever your expectations were about this chapter from those... disregard them.

Lastly, I hand intended to upload earlier, but the site had a server error and would let me login. But then I was a little hesitant to update because, the site might still me screwy... However, my desire to bring this to you all as soon as I finished it won over me. (If something went wrong, and that was a sign... oh well.)

I hope you all enjoy.

- - - 7th - - -

Pet na Campione-sama!

- - - 7th - - -

Chapter Thirteen: Yuri and Hikari: "A trip with a Kusanagi Godou-sama/san"

- - - 7th - - -

Part One: Yuri: "Getting to know the Rakshasa Raja"

- - - 7th - - -

After dinner, Hikari called the Kusanagi residence to inform Kranjcar-san that I had accepted her invitation. After a short time on the phone, Hikari informed me that we would be meeting them in the station tomorrow morning at nine before rushing to her room to pack.

"Yuri," I turned hearing mother call my attention, "What has gotten Hikari so excited?"

I did not want to lie to my own parents; however, after quickly weighing that one of the opposite party was a demon king that had slaughtered his first three gods in a span of a week... I felt this was a small price for their safety and peace of mind.

"Hahaue, I apologize, we should have informed you before making plans. Hikari was finally able to make some friends here and they have been invited Hikari and me to join them for a trip to a hot spring inn."

Mother grinned, "I see! So she's rushing to pack..." she looked towards the direction Hikari had disappeared into before turning her attention back to me. "You should go pack and turn in early too, Yuri."

"Yes," I lightly bowed before following after Hikari.

...

After we had packed, I had expected Hikari to be a bundle of energy and be too excited to sleep. However, to my surprise she was asleep even before we could close the room divider. I on the other hand, found my anxiety keeping me awake.

I tried relieving myself by checking my bag and making sure not to bring any item that had magic in it. I did not want to give myself away by bringing something that Kranjcar-san might find suspicious.

Tired, I tried lying down on my futon, but sleep still eluded me for a while. Part of me was worried that this might be a trap... but after rationally thinking about it, capturing me would do them little good. My spirit power was just a little above average and my ability was not something that I could use at will. My knowledge of spells was greatly limited in comparison to a true witch like Kranjcar-san. And while the Mariya family had once been a noble house, we are one of many fallen lineages. And surely if capturing me was all they wanted, they could have done so without such an elaborate ruse.

...

When drowsiness finally came... just before I fell asleep... I remember having a strong feeling. Safety... as long as we were at his side...

- - - 7th - - -

Because of Hikari's excitement, we arrived at the station half an hour before the agreed time. So we were surprised and a little worried to find Kusanagi-sama's party were already waiting for us.

Shizuka-san looked awed for a moment when she saw us, but quickly recovered stood up from the bench and to greet us when we got near. "A good morning to you, Mariya-sempai, Hikari-san,"

I just realized the difference of familiarity Shizuka-san uses between me and my sister; however, I decided not to ask her to change it. Shizuka-san always spoke to me and our fellow club members with such formal politeness. I was a little disheartened by it, but to ask her to change how she referred to me simply because she had become friends with my sister would be selfish.

"A good morning to you as well, Shizuka-san." I returned her greeting with the same grace.

Hikari on the other hand, "Good morning, Shizuka-chan!" did so with energy and casually.

We then turned our attention towards Kranjcar-san and Kusanagi-sama.

Kusanagi-sama looked rather tired. He yawned widely and shamelessly while sitting sluggishly on the bench. Perhaps he was still jet lagged from his recent travels? Or maybe he was still recovering from his previous battles? I tried not to think too deeply about it. My task was only to observe Kusanagi-sama whenever possible and to accompany Hikari.

Kranjcar-san suddenly stood up and began gathering their bags.

"Please let me express my gratitude for extending an invitation to me, Kranjcar-san." I said as I bowed politely towards the foreign witch while consciously trying to keep myself calm in their presence.

"You are quite welcome, Mariya Yuri. Although I must inform you that while the invitation had indeed come from me, the trip would not have been possible without Kusanagi Godou's luck."

"Luck?" I echoed curiously.

To which, I suddenly hear Hikari say with great delight, "Ahaha, it was amazing! Wasn't it Liliana-san?!"

The silver haired witch nodded with pride. "Indeed."

"What are you talking about, Hikari?"

"Ah! Sorry, I forgot to tell you, Onee-chan! Yesterday Godou-san won this trip in the lottery wheel on his first try!"

"I see." That did sound quite fortunate... however, it was nothing to be too amazed about. After all lottery wheels were made so that eventually someone would draw out the winning balls.

Then Hikari added, "And then to everyone's surprise he won another first place prize with my last ticket!"

"Eh?" I was just barely able to hold my surprise. My eyes immediately darted towards Kusanagi-sama, who still looked rather sleepy and did not seem to be paying us much attention. However, if I assume that Hikari's confirmation of the rumors about Kusanagi-sama as fact... then I can assume that he is actually listening to us.

"That is amazing." I commented with a humbled feeling; because even though the good fortune was Kusanagi-sama's, it was his retainer and my sister who are proud of the achievement. But I wondered, was this great fortune due to one of Kusanagi-sama's authorities?

...

I quickly dismiss the question to the recesses of my mind as soon as it came to me. Although it made me wonder why had Kranjcar-san specifically mentioned it.

...

I hope that I am just being overly worried.

...

"Shizuka-chan, isn't Ojii-san coming?" asked Hikari.

"No, he isn't. He said that he already had plans for this weekend and the next."

"I see..."

"Although, I think he just did not want to be the only adult."

Hikari awkwardly laughed, seemingly unsure of what to say.

Shizuka-san then adds, "At least without him around all I have to worry about is onii-chan."

Hikari opened her mouth to say something, but before she could Kranjcar-san proudly interjected.

"Please do not worry about your brother, Kusanagi Shizuka. As my lord's knight and maid servant, you can leave his care entirely in my hands."

However, instead of appeasing Shizuka-san, Kranjcar-san seemed to have aggravated her instead.

"That's exactly what I'm worried about!"

Thankfully, Shizuka-san's yell was drowned out by the bullet train's arrival.

- - - 7th - - -

After Kranjcar-san and Shizuka-san purchased twice the number of bento boxes than we should be able to eat, we boarded the train.

... Actually, once I had thought about it... since we have already eaten breakfast and we should arrive at the inn by lunch time, we did not have to purchase any food right now. So it was probably safe to assume that all of that food was for Kusanagi-sama.

Hikari and Shizuka-san immediately chose the seats that allowed our group to face each other. Shizuka had taken a window seat for herself then ordered her brother to sit beside her. Kranjcar-san immediately took the third seat beside him. Hikari gave- or rather- asked me to take the other window seat in front of Shizuka-san, before claiming the seat beside mine and in front of Kusanagi-sama.

After we had stored our luggage and took our seats, Kranjcar-san opened one of the bento boxes she purchased, unwrapped a pair of disposable chopsticks, and gave them to him.

I was surprised when he thanked Kranjcar-san. It was strange to say the least. His words felt very warm, even though it didn't sound like it. And Kranjcar-san too seemed to have felt his deep gratitude.

But I nearly screamed when I felt the very faint signature of divine magic from him. I had thought that it was an activation of an authority... but nothing happened. Or at least, I didn't notice it because the passengers next to our seats dropped some of their bags loudly by accident. Fortunately this surprised everyone and probably masked the fear on my face.

These same passengers turned to apologize for surprising us, but... when Kranjcar-san turned her head,

"Liliana?!" a red haired foreigner called out Kranjcar-san's first name in surprise.

Kranjcar-san too looked surprised, but calmly muttered the young woman's name. "Rias Gremory."

The red haired gave her a soft and friendly smile that hinted of mild amusement. "Distant as always, aren't you. Where are you heading?"

Kranjcar-san informs her of the hot spring inn that we were going to.

The red haired looked pleasantly surprised. "What a coincidence, we were headed there ourselves."

"We?" Kranjcar-san muttered.

- - - 7th - - -

Part Two: Hikari: "Crossing Paths"

- - - 7th - - -

My eyes quickly darted to the shadow behind the red haired foreign beauty and quickly recognized the person behind her.

She stepped forward to her friend's side and introduced herself, "I am please to meet an acquaintance of Rias. My name is Himejima Akeno." She then elegantly bowed before offering her hand to Liliana-san to shake.

Himejima Akeno was Ena-san's rival candidate for the title of Premier Hime-Miko, although neither probably cared for the title. Akeno-san was a hime-miko that specialized at calling down and manipulating sacred lightning; it is the unique power in her bloodline. There were rumors that Akeno was the strongest in their family history, but no one has bothered to prove it.

Liliana-san curtly gave her name in return as she shook Akeno-san's hand.

After their brief handshake, I immediately felt a cold shiver when Akeno-san's gaze fell to Yuri-nee-chan and me. "Yuri-chan, Hikari-chan, it's nice to see you two as well."

However, that's not what I'm worried about. Akeno-san is an S... and she likes teasing people. She doesn't usually do it, but I know first-hand that she'll strike when you're guard is down.

"It's been a while, Akeno-san." I couldn't help the tiny nervous squeak that came out of my throat. And I unconsciously swallowed when I realized that Akeno-san noticed that I was nervous to see her, which nearly drowned out Yuri-nee-chan's greeting from my ear.

"It is nice to see you again, Akeno-sempai."

"Acquaintances of yours, Akeno?" asked the red haired.

Thankfully Akeno-san gave a simple reply, "Yes," before adding, "Half of them at least."

"This is my Lord, Kusanagi Godou." Liliana-san motioned to Godou-san, who to my partial-relief continued on eating as if nothing was going on, "and his little sister, Kusanagi Shizuka." She quickly turned towards them, "My Lord, everyone, this is Rias Gremory and her friend, Himejima Akeno."

"It's nice to meet you, Gremory-san, Himejima-san." Shizuka-chan gave Akeno san a polite bow, although it was a little awkward since there was a table in the way.

"Rias is fine." Gremory-san said with a bright smile.

Akeno followed her and said, "I would be happy if all of you would call me Akeno."

Their eyes then fell on to Godou-san, who simply stopped chewing for a few seconds, looked at the two and gave them a curt yet deep nod before returning his attention to his food.

Akeno-san and her friend seemed puzzled, and I can't blame them. They were really beautiful, it's probably the first time that a guy had completely disregarded them for food without hesitation.

Shizuka-chan sighed aloud. "Please excuse my idiot brother. When he's eating, he tends to forget how to be polite."

I almost laughed with I heard that. But I was a little happy to find that Liliana-san too had found it amusing.

But I nearly cracked up when Shizuka-chan suddenly added, "Do tell him off if you want to, despite seeming inattentive he's actually a very good listener."

"Is that so?" Akeno-san seemed confused as she looked at my face (which I was sure had contorted to an awkward smile).

Rias-san on the other hand smiled as before covering her mouth to elegantly giggle. I realized that she was curious about Godou-san. Ah! What if Godou-san had a thing for foreign girls?! Since Ichiro-jii-san said that he didn't have any female friends until he met Liliana-san? Have I lost the race already?! I tried to keep myself from frowning at the thought.

"Anyway Liliana, since we're all going the same way, may we join you?" asked Rias-san.

Liliana-san looked a little uncertain, but she soon turned to us and asked. "Does anyone mind?"

Shizuka-chan shook her head, smiled and said, "I'm all right with it." She looked a little hesitant though, probably because there would be more girls around her brother now (I felt the same way, but as the one who was invited it's not really my place to refuse them).

Godou-san didn't really react much, although I think I saw him nod to Liliana-san.

"I don't mind." Yuri-onee-chan probably felt that she was in no place to refuse too.

So all I could say was, "Neither do I."

"I see." Liliana muttered with some disappointment. Was she hoping that someone would refuse? Did she dislike Rias-san? Or was she wary of what Rias-san might say or do to her while around us, like I am with Akeno-san...

- - - 7th - - -

Part Three: Yuri: "Winner and Losers"

- - - 7th - - -

The train set out to on schedule. According to our best estimates, we should arrive at our destination well before noon.

Shizuka-san tried to be a good hostess and engaged everyone, save her brother, in some light conversation.

Kranjcar-san mostly divided her attention between attending to Kusanagi-sama and talking to Gremory-san about something in Italian (or at least, I am guessing they were talking in Italian).

Akeno-sempai would sometimes drop queries to Hikari and me that hinted about magic society. It seems that she had realized that Hikari was trying to keep her magic roots a secret and used it to tease her. Fortunately, Shizuka-san was aware that we lived in a shrine and thought of me of as real miko of some standard that I could only phantom. Although it was quite clear, to everyone else that the one Hikari did not want to hear about it was Kusanagi-sama (who was still eating and seemed to be paying us very little attention).

As some point, Hikari decided a different approach in evasion.

"Why don't we play a game to pass the time?" she suggested as she took out a deck of cards from her bag.

To our surprise, Shizuka-san sighed.

"Is something wrong, Shizuka-san?" I asked.

"It's just that... well..." She looked at her brother, who looked at her with an empty expression, before turning her attention back to us "...you'll see."

"What shall we play?" Kranjcar-san asked to rid the air of the suddenly awkward atmosphere.

Hikari was quick to answer. "How about something easy to start off... like old maid?"

"Sounds good." Kranjcar-san affirmed the decision before turning, to Gremory-san and Akeno-sempai. "Would you like to join our game?"

"I do." answered Gremory-san.

However, Akeno-sempai's response was, "I'm interested in figuring out what Shizuka-chan was about to say. So please allow me to be a spectator first."

"Very well." Kranjcar-san took off the empty bento boxes and invited Gremory-san to sit in front of her. "Please shuffle the cards, while I dispose of these, Mariya Hikari."

"Okay." Hikari shuffled the deck of cards and dealt everyone an almost equal share of cards.

I looked at my hand and was a little disappointed by the near lack of paired cards. It seemed like a bad start, but usually that means, the game can go on longer. Secretly, I peaked at Kusanagi-sama after discarding the only paired cards in my hand. To my surprise, Kusanagi-sama looked at his hand, rearranged a few cards, and put them all down on the table faced up. We all looked at the revealed cards and realized that every card in his hand already had its corresponding pair.

"Wow", "Oh my!" Gremory-san and Akeno-sempai exclaimed with clear astonishment.

"I knew that he was lucky after winning two prizes yesterday, but..." Hikari did not bother to finish voicing her thoughts.

"That's actually one of the worst examples." Shizuka noted, "It doesn't happen very often."

"Hmmm, as expected of my master." Kranjcar-san said with a proud nod.

"It's a little anti-climatic to continue this game after that... shall we play a different game?" suggested Gremory-san.

"It will be the same though," Shizuka-san claimed.

"What do you mean?" Kranjcar-san asked.

"Onii-chan never loses. No matter what the game or sport, he always wins. Sometimes easily, sometimes with effort, but he always wins. It's almost as if luck will always side with him." I couldn't feel any hint of pride or exaggeration from Shizuka-san, only truthfulness and mild annoyance directed at her brother. "Although, like you said about the lottery wheel yesterday, he doesn't always get the outcome he wants... but he'll always win."

"Then he must not get to play very often?" Hikari asked while shuffling the cards.

"You would be surprised..." Shizuka-san paused to sigh, "During our family reunions, it's traditional for our relatives to gamble a little. Ojii-chan taught Onii-chan how to play poker on a whim when he was ten... and well... let's just say trying to break his winning streak is now a standard family reunion event."

"You mean that they want to win against Godou-san that badly?"

Shizuka-san nodded at Hikari's question.

"Does that mean that my master has a lot of money to spend after one these reunions, Shizuka?"

"Not necessarily..."

"What do you mean?"

"Well..." Shizuka-san's gaze once again fell on her brother, which caused our own eyes to fall onto him. Kusanagi-sama's seemed to have noticed our attention had fallen on him, but he said nothing as his head tilted by a tiny fraction while looking back at us.

"Since my brother is..." Shizuka-san looked at her brother for a moment, as she tried to find the right word to describe him, "odd. No one- in good conscience- could let him handle his own money."

It was an incredibly convincing statement.

"So our grandfather created a trust fund where all his winnings and the likes can accumulate until he can use them."

Kranjcar-san nodded at Shizuka-san's explanation. "I see... that is quite thoughtful of your grandfather."

To our astonishment Shizuka-san's voice suddenly went cold. "Actually it was our mother's idea. However, if we had let her handle it, chances were that she'd use his money as her own instead of saving it."

None of us could say anything. Hikari and I grew up with caring parents. There were issues regarding magic society, but other than that I believe we were very lucky. I don't know about Akeno-sempai or Gremory-san, but to Hikari and I, a irresponsible parent was something we only hear about in rumors and read in fictional works. So to hear about it from someone with firsthand experience was a little enlightening...

"Don't mind..." My eyes darted to the speaker of these words, Kusanagi-sama. "Don't mind."

"But..." Shizuka-san was about to retort, this time a little more angrily.

However, Kusanagi-sama's hand reached for his sister's head. "It's fine."

Shizuka-san's angry face slowly relaxed into a pout.

I realized that a whole conversation had been exchanged in those few words. It was not hard to understand that the two siblings were incredibly close. In someway... I envied them.

"What shall we play next?" Gremory-san suddenly asked with a lively voice and bright smile.

(Almost) everyone immediately understood that she was clearing the air.

"Don't you get it, Gremory-san? No one can beat my brother." Shizuka-san confidently restated for everyone.

"That's exactly why we have to play against him!" We all looked at her in surprise, but she just smiled at us with daring confidence. "Your relatives sought to break his winning streak- because?"

We all turned to Shizuka-san and watched as she pondered Gremory-san's question. "...because... no one has done it before?"

"Exactly! Just as the hardest games and puzzles are the most rewarding when beaten or completed. Winning against an opponent that is thought to be unbeatable will surely feel very satisfying!"

"Oh Rias, while everything you've said is true. Aren't you just sore that you lost so badly without even starting?" Akeno-sempai bluntly stated with a teasing smile.

Gremory-san flashed a reproaching look towards Akeno-sempai and playfully told her to, "Shut up." before she turned to us. "What does everyone else think? Shall we play some more?"

The rest of us hesitated, even after her lively speech.

Half disappointed, yet half determined she turned to Kusanagi-sama. "Then... uh, Kusanagi Godou, my I call you Godou?"

Kusanagi-sama sluggishly nodded to her.

"Then, Godou, since no one else seems up to the task of being your opponent. Please let me challenge you to a game of chess."

"Eh?! We're done with cards?" asked Hikari.

"I would have suggested for us to play a different game of cards had someone else wanted to challenge him; however, since I am alone, I will challenge him in something I know I am good at! After all, Shizuka has told us that he wins at everything."

"Rias Gremory, I cannot allow such an unfair-"

"Okay." Before Kranjcar-san could finish, Kusanagi-sama accepted the challenge.

Shizuka-san and Kranjcar-san looked a little exasperated, but seemed to let whatever it was that bothered them go soon after.

Akeno-san took out a small case from one of their bags. It was soon revealed that it contained a fancy chess set of red and blue glass pieces instead of the traditional white and black.

As she was to setting-up the board, Gremory-san asked Kusanagi-sama, "Godou, which color would you prefer to use?"

Kusanagi-sama simply said, "Second."

We all quickly understood that he had meant that he will use the pieces that played the second turn.

The red haired looked surprised... and perhaps a little... insulted? Before I could ponder why, I felt that her aura intensify as if she had accepted some form of challenge.

"The blue pieces then." Akeno-san said as she rotated the board just enough so that the blue pieces were now in front of Kusanagi-sama and the red were in Gremory-san's.

I have not played chess before, although I am familiar with the rules. So the moves that they were making did make a little sense to me; however, it was easily obvious to me that my view of the game and Kranjcar-san's were completely different. By the time that half of Gremory-san's pieces were gone, Kusanagi-sama's were down to a quarter, yet Kranjcar-san was smiling with pride and Gremory-san looked quite pressured.

Minutes later, by piece count Gremory-san still had a big lead. So why did she look so desperate?

Seconds later, I heard the answer to my question.

"Checkmate..." Akeno-sempai said after Kusanagi-sama made one move.

"I completely played into it, huh?" reluctantly added Gremory-san. "That was a great game, Kusanagi Godou. Where did you learn to play like that?"

"First."

"Huh?" Everyone was confused by Kusanagi-sama's curt response. But we all soon realized what he meant.

"It can't be?" Gremory-san flashed an utterly defeated look. "Is it your first time playing chess?"

Kusanagi-sama slowly nodded.

"Have you read about chess games before?" Kranjcar-san followed up.

But Kusanagi-sama just looked at her, although if I had to guess... he was probably confused by her question. Although for a moment I had almost imagined that him say, 'Why would I do that?' but quickly pushed the image out of my mind.

"Have you watched someone skilled in chess player?" Akeno-sempai asked.

Again, Kusanagi-sama just looked at her without answering.

Shizuka-san nudged her brother's side with her elbow. "Onii-chan, be more polite or at least give them an answer."

Kusanagi-sama turned to his sister, "Shizuka..."

"What?"

As if answering her question, we suddenly heard a loud yet familiar sounding growl coming from Kusanagi-sama.

Shizuka-san sighed. "Ever since you came back from Sardinia, your stomach has gotten even more demanding."

- - - 7th - - -

Part Four: Hikari: "Attraction?"

- - - 7th - - -

Although Rias-san had lost, she asked Godou-san for a lot of rematches. He had accepted and played while he ate the rest of the bento-boxes that Liliana-san had bought.

I understand the rules, but I can't seem to grasp how it's played. Yuri-onee-chan, on the other hand, seemed very interested and watched every move they played. She seemed really impressed... but I get the feeling that she's thinking about something else other than the game.

Rias-san continued to play with Godou-san, until the train conductor had announced that we were arriving at our destination.

The Rias-san let out an annoyed sigh and said, "And I was so close to winning this round."

But then Godou-san made one more move and said, "Checkmate."

"Wah?! How could I have missed that!?" Rias-san looked genuinely surprised.

"Maybe you've been trying too hard, Rias. And it's been twenty games already, you must be tired." said Akeno-san with a cheerful smile.

It made me wonder if she was rooting for Godou-san? Or was she teasing Rias-san for trying to challenging him anyway after what Shizuka-chan had said?

Rias-san sighed before answering Akeno-san, "You're probably right." She then turned and offered her hand to Godou-san. "I admit defeat for now, Godou. May I call you Godou?"

My eyes immediately darted to Godou-san, but were quickly drawn away when Liliana-san suddenly called out, "Rias Gremory!-" and suddenly said something to her in a different language with a hint of anger and sternness.

But Rias-san remained calm, looked at her, and said something back. However, her hand still outstretched to Godou-san.

And to everyone's surprise, Godou-san reached out to shake it.

Although even more surprising was Rias-san's reaction to the physical contact, for at the moment that Godou-san's hand touched hers, "KYA!" she suddenly yelped and stiffened. It looked as if a current of electricity had suddenly run through her body. But then she looked at their hands in confusion and disbelief.

I wonder what happened.

"Onii-chan! Did you squeeze her hand too hard?!" Shizuka-chan was the first to react.

Eh? Was that it?

Everyone turned to Godou-san, who looked at their hands and sort of asked Rias-san, "Am... I?"

The red haired foreigner looked a little out of it, "Eh?" but somehow quickly gathered herself. "Ah... I think I was hit by a strong static. I was just surprised."

So that was it...

"Does it... hurt?" Godou-san asked.

Rias-san smiled, shook her head and said, "No, Godou. I'm all right."

Godou-san looked at their hands a few seconds too long-even for him before he letting go of her hand.

Could Godou-san really like foreign girls?!

- - - 7th - - -

Part Five: Yuri: "Malevolence"

- - - 7th - - -

We were quick to depart from the train once it arrived at the station. I was quick to notice that a lot of people were looking our way.

Curiously, I turned my eyes towards our now larger party and wondered what was so noticeable about our party. I then realized that all the girls were carrying large bags, while Kusanagi-sama, the lone male member of the party, only had a medium sized backpack that looked half empty. Kranjcar-san and Gremory-san in particular were carrying a little more than everyone else.

The very instant that my feet left the grounds of the station, I was hit with a strong but restrained feeling.

The land did not welcome our arrival... or rather, Kusanagi-sama's arrival.

Enemy... Sinner... God Slayer... Vengeance... Bide Time... Exploit Weakness... Kill!

I then felt a gentle hand on my shoulder, which was effective enough to snap me out of the trance. When I turned, I was surprised and a little relieved to see that it was Akeno-sempai that had touched me.

"Yuri-chan, let's get everyone something to drink." She said as she suggestively smiled at me.

I realized that she had wanted to talk to me privately. So I answered, "Yes."

Akeno-sempai placed down our bags, "Everyone, we'll be right back," and playfully pushed me away from everyone, but as she was doing so I noticed the Gremory-san was almost warily looking around. Kusanagi-sama on the other hand, seemed to be unaffected.

Did she sense it too? I thought.

After we were of some distance from the group, "Yuri-chan, did you see anything?"

I shook my head lightly, "No, but the malevolence and dread was so pure that even my meager skill was able to pull out thoughts from it."

Akeno-sempai smiled. "Can you tell me about it?"

I hesitated for a moment, but I realized that sempai and her friend could be in danger by being close to us. So I decided to give her as much information as I could so long as it would not reveal Kusanagi-sama's identity to them.

"It felt like something was hunting a dangerous enemy, for a sinning or as vengeance. However, this enemy was dangerous... so it decided to wait for an opening."

"So that's why that feeling quickly stopped."

"Probably..."

"But..." Akeno-sempai suddenly huffed at me as she changed the subject, "That's hardly meager skill, Yuri-chan. Your magic strength might not compare to Kaoru-san, but I always believed that you have what it takes to eclipse her in skill."

I froze for a moment; disbelief was probably clearly etched on my face.

"You just proved it didn't you? Kaoru-san probably wouldn't have been able to turn that feeling into words."

I was at a loss. On one hand, I was happy to be praised. On the other, I felt guilty that I had not told her everything. But I remembered who I was doing it for and forced myself to smile.

"Thank you." My gratitude, at least was true.

However, the unfortunate truth was that the History Compilation Committee and The Four Families put more value on those with power.

- - - 7th - - -

Part Six: Hikari: "Stalker?"

- - - 7th - - -

A little after giving up pondering why Akeno-san had suddenly led Yuri-onee-chan away from everyone, I turned around to face Godou-san. However, when I did, something from the distance caught my eye.

A young woman, wearing a Sakura patterned kimono. Her hair was tied similarly to Liliana-san and Akeno-san, except she wore it with a bright pink ribbon. In her hands was she held a wagasa (oil-paper umbrella) and what was probably a sword in a proper sword bag.

What drew my attention to her was that she wasn't carrying anything else, when she left the same train we did. That and she has seems to be keeping us in her field of vision as she slowly walked around.

Could she be one of Kuhoutsuka's subordinates?

She then notices that I noticed her and suddenly looked away... But there was something familiar about it.

"We're back." I turned to the speaker and found Akeno-san and Yuri-onee-chan carrying a few random drinks in their arms.

We picked the ones we preferred, although it seems that Akeno-san had specifically purchased a liter bottle of sports drink for Godou-san. Rias-san and Akeno-san were a little surprised that Godou-san suddenly chugged the drink.

Or maybe it was worry, especially when Shizuka suddenly yelled out at her brother with worry saying, "Onii-chan! Stop drinking and breathe!"

Liliana-san didn't seem worried. Rather it looked like she was enjoying everyone else's panic.

After Godou-san finished drinking-thankfully without choking and spitting out his drink-, Akeno-san led the way to the inn.

I spared one last look towards the young woman in the kimono, only to find that she had disappeared.

- - - 7th - - -

Astonishment seemed like such a small word when I saw how luxurious the inn we would be staying at was. I once again, couldn't help but marvel at Godou-san's godlike luck.

We were cordially greeted by not only the Inn's proprietress, but also by a good number of the staff. It felt like we were VIPs.

Liliana-san was the first to approach the proprietress, "A party of five, under the name of Kusanagi Godou."

I wondered why Liliana-san had reserved our stay under Godou-san's name, but the proprietress' response and the twinkle in her eye quickly answered that.

"Ah! Kusanagi-sama's party! Our kitchen staff has been hard at work ever since I passed on your meals request."

"I hope that it wasn't too much trouble." Liliana-san half asked.

The proprietress covered her lips with the sleeve of her kimono before giggling and responding to Liliana-san "Not at all, it is their job. If anything, this is a blessing for them."

She then turned to Akeno-san and Rias-san.

Akeno-san stepped forward and said, "We have a reservation for two under Himejima Akeno."

"Ah! Himejima-sama, Welcome to our humble inn." She briefly turns towards Godou-san and Liliana for a moment. "Kusanagi-sama," then back to Rias-san and Akeno-san, "Himejima-sama, lunch will be served shortly. My staff will carry your bags and show you to your rooms."

"Excuse me a moment, Okami-san." Rias-san said before the proprietress could turn around. "Is there a vacant room closer to theirs? We'd like to move their instead if possible."

The proprietress smiled, "Yes, however, it's larger and more expensive than the room Himejima-sama had reserved."

"That's fine." Rias-san said without hesitation.

"Very well," The proprietress bowed happily as she accepted the request. "I hope I'm not assuming too much, but would your parties like to share meals?"

Rias-san looked at Liliana-san, who sighed under her breath before answering, "Please make it so."

- - - 7th - - -

After being shown to our rooms, we all agreed to take a quick dip in the hot springs before lunch.

Shizuka-san and Liliana-san led Godou towards the male's side, and seemed to give him reminders about hot springs etiquette, before joining the rest of us.

...

After properly washing ourselves, we took our first anticipated dip in the springs.

The water felt so soothing. It wasn't too hot, but wasn't anywhere near tepid. I was quickly felt so relaxed that, I failed to notice Akeno-san's approach.

She suddenly grabbed my breasts from behind and playfully massaged them.

"Akeno-san! Please stop!"

But she just laughed, in that teasingly seductive manner that she's been known for and said, "Hikari-chan, you've developed quite well since I last saw you."

"Of course I would! It's been- ah!- three years!"

"Or could it be the effect of love?"

"SHHH" I somehow resisted the urge to panic, and hoped Godou-san's hearing didn't pick that up... I don't want him to misunderstand.

Fortunately, my reaction seemed to have puzzled Akeno-san enough to pause her assault.

With that opening, I pried myself away from Akeno-san's hands and hid behind Yuri-Onee-chan and Shizuka-chan.

Akeno-san then giggled and said, "It seems like I'm hated."

...

After it seemed like Akeno-san had finally given up teasing me for now, I turned to check on Liliana-san and Rias-san and could help myself from comparing my body with theirs.

Rias-san had a gorgeously proportioned body and her red hair easily called attention without her needing to do anything. Liliana-san was slim. Her skin was wonderfully white without being pale. And her silver hair, made her seem like a fairy like existence. The two of them were beauties of opposite attributes... all I have is my coffee like hair.

- - - 7th - - -

Before we could return to our rooms and have lunch, Liliana-san had to fetch Godou-san from the men's bath. It was fortunate that no other male guests were inside (or so it seemed from the lack of any sound or screaming inside).

I was a little shocked that Liliana-san could go that far. 'I wonder if it's because she's blocking out any embarrassment by thinking that she's his knight...'

Akeno-san seemed very amused and said something about Italians being so bold, while Gremory-san stared meaningfully at the blue half curtain that blocked the men's dressing room from view. Shizuka-san seemed a little annoyed, but from the blush on her face it was obvious that she wouldn't have been able to replicate what Liliana-san had just done.

Yuri-onee-chan on the other hand was blushing furiously for everyone.

Minutes later, Godou-san appeared from the entry way looking quite dashing in the inn's yukata. Liliana-san followed in with the clothes that Godou-san was wearing when he came in.

"Godou, you look quite suave in that." Rias-san was the first to complement him.

"Ah! That's quite useless, Rias-san." Shizuka-chan interjected, "Onii-chan isn't the type who's aware of or cares for-"

But before she could finish, Godou-san suddenly responded. "Thank you, Rias... you're also quite alluring yours."

... There was a long and silent pause before...

"EEEEEEHHH?!" Nearly everyone loudly expressed their shock.

"Onii-chan! Since when did you learn to start talking like Oji-chan?" Shizuka-chan asked with a furious and confused tone.

Although Godou-san seemed completely unaffected, while Liliana-san seemed to be looking away as if to dodge Shizuka-chan's notice (I wonder how, but it worked).

Everyone else tried to restrain Shizuka-chan.

While this was happening, I saw something pink from the corner of my eye. However, when I turned to look at it was either already gone or wasn't really there...

Was it that young woman with the umbrella and sword again?

- - - 7th - - -

Chapter Thirteen: End

- - - 7th - - -

Chapter End Notes: I had originally, not planned for Rias and Akeno to appear so soon. But I recently realized that the train ride was rather bare until I tried adding them in. Anyway, after I had finished writing this I only did a once over proofreading... it is highly likely that it'll have a lot of grammar errors. Please take note of them and pm them to me... I'd appreciate it.