Chapter 4
Its been a good few months since Akeno had come to the Underworld, and like Vali before her, she was settling in rather well. She had spent a good deal of time being with Sakai, and Rias intermittently, and found herself enjoying her time with them.
She also had gotten the stuff from Suou that belonged to her mother, she was honestly surprised that he honoured the deal, but he did, and she even managed to see her mothers grave, it gave her a bittersweet feeling, but she got to say goodbye, and it made her happy.
Sakai woke up rather early, and stretched his body, looking at the time.
"Early…" Sakai murmured, running a hand through his raven locks.
He pulled out of bed, rubbing his eyes, and quickly got up.
He figured he'd be able to get some training in, in fact he could feel Vali already outside training, despite it being six in the morning.
Getting his training gear on, Sakai rushes out of the room, and down the stairs.
As he goes by the living room, he sees Serafall sat in a chair with a wide grin on her face.
Next to her, was a white haired cat girl. Wearing what looked to be a little dress with cat paws on it, and only having one hair clip.
"Morning Nee-chan, Neko-chan…" He greets with a yawn.
"Morning Saka-chan!" Serafall greets.
As Sakai rubs his eye, his mind fully wakes, and he blinks.
"A neko…?" Sakai steps back a few paces, registering the cat girls presence, and tilts his head. "Did I miss something?"
Serafall leans forward, and showcases her grin. "This child is someone that's been through a lot lately Saka-chan, and I've been discussing with Sirzechs-chan about what's the best thing for us to do with this girl."
"She's been through, something?" Sakai peered to the young cat girl, her eyes displayed zero emotion, as if all of her feelings had been drained out of her, confusing and also worrying Sakai that she'd look like that.
Serafall nods, and pats the girls head. "We'll talk about it soon. I've just gotta get going, but I know you'll look after this cute girl, wont you?"
Sakai just nods, trying to figure out what was going on.
Serafall winked, and rushed her little brother.
She opened her arms wide, and dove for a tackle.
"Saka-chaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!" She let out a cry of excitement as she embraced him tightly.
Sakai amusingly accepted it, knowing if he didn't then Serafall would become sad.
So he embraced her, as she got close to his ear, her hot breath tickling his neck.
"She's been through a lot of things, she really could use a good friend."
Sakai inclines. "I understand, Nee-chan."
Serafall winks, and rushes out of the door.
Left alone with the girl, Sakai faced her and spoke kindly. "So, erm, how about a tour, eeeh…Koneko-chan~"
The girl blinks. "Ko…neko-chan?"
"Yeah, it means little cat."
"…I see." She simply said, as she walked. "My name is Shirone."
Sakai smiled. "My names Sakai Sitri."
"…Sakai Sitri. …Devils scare me."
Sakai hummed, wondering what was going on, as he began giving her a tour of the house.
By the time she came into the dining room, she sat in the corner of the room on a chair, not speaking, nor moving, just keeping her eyes on the floor.
Sakai furrowed his brows. "Shirone-san, are you hungry? I could have the chef whip up anything you'd want."
"…No, I'm fine." She replied, and then went silent.
Sakai didn't know what was going on with her, he wished Serafall would've told him, or would come back as quick as she could, though it seemed she was busy right now.
While Sakai and the girl had silence between them, Vali came into the dining room, and greets "Morning, Saka." as she sits down, noticing the presence of the girl, and acutes to the flow of her aura, deducing her power.
"Who is she?" Vali finally asked.
"Shirone-san, apart from that I don't know, Nee-chan had her here when I woke up this morning."
Vali inspected the young girl. "I see. So, is she a Nekomata?"
"Seems like it." Sakai whispered back, and then looked to the young girl. "Is there anything I can get you Shirone-san? Maybe you'd like to lay down? I can find you a room."
Shirone met his eye, and for moments, she said nothing.
Ultimately, she did feel tired, so she nods a single time. "Yes, please."
"Great, then please follow me." Sakai stands, and begins going out of the room, with Shirone moving behind him.
As they did, Ravel came into view from the front door as they neared the extravagant looking stairs.
"Aah, morning Ravel-chan~" Sakai greets.
Ravel smiles, and greets him back. "Good morning Sakai-sama. I've come to sort out some papers for you, since you'll be receiving your Evil Pieces in the not too distant future."
"Thanks Ravel-chan~"
As they spoke, Shirone looked towards Ravel.
Ravel did the same thing back, showcasing a small smile.
Though Shirone tilts her head, noticing an emblem on Ravel's bag she carried. "I smell chicken."
Ravel twitches an eyebrow, while Sakai's lips part ever so slightly, wondering how this was going to go.
"C-Chicken?" Ravel begins, looking flabbergasted.
Shirone nods, pointing at Ravel. "Do you work at KFC?"
Sakai widened his eyes slightly seeing Ravel's face falling. "No, I'm a member of the House of Phenex for your information."
Shirone gives a surprised, somewhat emotionless look, muttering "I see, Phenex..." while Ravel knits her brows together.
"Anyway, this way Shirone-san~" Sakai said with an affable smile.
Ravel blinks rapidly, as Shirone walks up the stairs, Sakai grimacing and walked off together with Shirone.
Getting to a room, Sakai invited her inside, and when she looked to the bed, she thought it looked big, and soft.
It was better than the previous bed that she had beforehand, so she went towards it, and sat on the edge.
"…Is this really for me?" Shirone spoke in disbelief.
"Yeah, you can have this room." Sakai spoke gently, noticing Shirone's stiffness. "Shirone-san, its okay, you're safe here."
Shirone flickers her eyelashes. "…I thought that last time, but…"
Sakai needed to find out what was going on.
But, he could see she didn't trust him yet, so he didn't force the issue.
Instead, he just offered himself to her, a confident, a friend, someone she could speak with.
"If you need anything, or if you wanna talk about something, I'll be downstairs, you can come and get me, day or night. I'll bring some lunch up, any preferences?"
"...No, anything would be fine, thank you."
"I'll see you then." Sakai began for the door.
Shirone watched him get to the door, and open it once more.
He steps outside, and begins closing it, but not before offering a small friendly wave.
Shirone didn't know what to do with that, she hadn't met friendly Devils until now.
As the day went on, she hadn't come down the stairs, Sakai had gone up, and delivered food for lunch and dinner, and both times, when he came back a little later, he saw that she had eaten them and put the trays where he'd be able to grab them while whispering "Thank you." showing her kindness, which he took as a good sign.
When Serafall returned back from her work, Sakai managed to grab a moment with his sister to find out what was going on.
"Nee-chan, can you tell me what's happening with Shirone-san? She's…well, honestly, she looks scared of Devils…what's been happening?"
Serafall exhaled, and begins explaining the situation.
As she did, he couldn't believe his ears, he hadn't any idea anything like that was going on.
"…So, her Onee-sama killed Naberius, who was looking after them…and has fled? Leaving Shirone-san behind…and the Old Devils in their infinite stupidity which they'd call wisdom decided the girl should be killed for it? That's insanity."
Serafall agrees, nodding a few times. "It's how it is, I'm afraid Saka-chan. Thankfully, she was saved, and I thought if anyone could get through to her, then it would be you. I would've said something earlier, though today's just been messy."
Sakai understood, her job was important after all. "Still, I can't believe she went through such things. No wonder she's closed off, I'd be too if my only family had suddenly left, and then I was going to be killed just for a possibility I might run out of control…though, you said she ran out of control because of Senjutsu, right?"
"That's the official story." Serafall explained.
Sakai narrows his brows. "But, you told me she's a Nekoshou. It strikes me as odd that a Nekoshou would run out of control by getting drunk on the power of Senjutsu. As far as I'm aware, Nekoshou's are amongst the best users of Senjutsu, so running out of control, seems farfetched. The only way I could see her doing it, is if she was new and inexperienced in Senjutsu, but from what you've said, it seems she's an experienced fighter, as she escaped the Underworld, doesn't sound like someone drunk on power."
Serafall thought about it, and could see the logic in his thoughts.
"You're right Saka-chan, that does make a lot of sense. Still, why else would she kill Naberius? As far as I know, he gave them a home, and even offered to have her join his peerage. She declined, for whatever reason, I don't know, but…maybe she didn't want to him, he forced an issue, and she killed him."
Sakai felt like this didn't sit well with him.
Things to him didn't make sense, and it wasn't adding up based on what he knew.
"Naberius…that guys always been odd. Even when we met at social interactions, he'd always blow off the likes of Ravel-san and myself. Nee-chan, is it alright if I read the records on Naberius, and his connections with the Nekoshou?"
Serafall raises an eyebrow. "You think the official story isn't correct?"
"I wanna familiarize myself with the situation so I could speak with Shirone-san, and help her feel better when she's ready to talk. But you are right, I have a feeling this doesn't match with what we know. At the very least, it'll help me understand Shirone-san a little more."
Serafall smiled at her brothers logical mind. "Sure, I'll have it sent over~"
"Thanks Nee-chan~ Love you~" Knowing she was busy, Sakai parted from her with a little kiss on the cheek and walked off.
"Saka-chan! I love you too!" Serafall gushed at her cute little brothers actions, and deep inside knew that Sakai would be able to help Shirone.
Shirone had kept mostly herself to herself for two days, Sakai had brought her food each meal, since it was clear she didn't want to be around Devils.
He wasn't surprised, she had been mistreated by Devils, so he knew she'd not be opening up right away, but he'd do what he could to help her, feeling for her as he learned more of her story.
Right now though, Akeno was witnessing a little battle between Sakai, and Vali, noticing their fighting paces, and their clashes.
How Vali was using her Divine Dividing, and how Sakai was able to use various ice based techniques to keep her back, and blow her away as she also managed to land a few blows, going one for one against the other one.
"Hah!" Vali unleashed a bombardment of demonic shots towards Sakai, raining them down from different angles in an attempt to catch him off guard.
"Lets do this Vali-chan!" Sakai raises his demonic power, and does the same thing, albeit using spears of ice to combat the demonic powers of Vali.
Matching one another blow for blow, Sakai and Vali were evenly on terms with one another, as an explosion erupts between them, smoke rising from the impact of their attacks, obscuring the pair of them from the other's view.
Though Vali used this chance to try and blind-side Sakai, getting to the right hand side of the young boy, her hand going out into a punching strike.
She thought she had achieved victory, when she lands a blow on him.
"Now its time to take your…" But as she spoke, Vali saw Sakai's form begin shaking as if it was vanishing.
Replaced there, was a chunk of ice, having used illusion magic to make it seem he was stood there.
Vali's eyes widen when she realizes the Sakai before her was a mere illusion and turned to the side, seeing a shadow moving out of the corner of her eye, and saw his fist going out, his fist encased in ice.
"Shit-" Vali received a blow from Sakai, his icy fist freezing upon impact, and the impact itself causing damage as the ice weakened her skin, so she bled from the attack, as she was blasted through the sky.
"Ara, seems like Sakai-kun is quite the icy boy~" Akeno giggled cutely.
Vali stabilized herself in the air, her wings of light fluttering in the sky, as she looked to Sakai, wiping her face of the blood he drew out of her, noticing from his hand, an icy dust was flowing between his fingertips.
"Like that punch Vali-chan? I call it the Frost Fist~" Sakai spoke with a genuine desire to be challenged.
Vali felt her excitement grow within her body, seeing him use his mind in a fight always excited her, she couldn't deny that.
Sakai threw up his hands, and summons ice shards all around him, as Vali curls her fingers together, balling her hand into a fist, as silvery demonic energy begins swirling all around her hand.
"Let me show you the Lucifer Dragon Fist." Sakai was intrigued as Vali vanished out of sight.
She used her speed, Sakai knew she was truly tapping into that potential of being a Lucifer now, so he aimed his hand towards the right, jettisoning a flurry of ice that way, as Vali appeared, being caught in the flurry of ice.
Though it was freezing her, she carried on, swimming through the flurry of ice, and used her demonic power to spread it all around her, to keep her body from totally freezing, even if a white frost was wrapping around her, Sakai wearing surprise on his face.
"Very strong Vali-chan…" Sakai watched her get to him, her body having over half covered in ice.
She was shivering, her teeth where chattering.
She could feel the cold invading her body, making her feel numb.
Yet, her demonic power was safe as she shielded it with her might, and she unleashed it point blank at the young boy.
Sakai couldn't praise her more, knowing a point blank shot wouldn't be able to be blocked quick enough, so Sakai threw his arms up in defence, tanking the shot up close and personal.
Sakai was propelled through the sky, with a few wounds on his skin, but they were frozen over quickly, as Sakai snaps his fingers, unleashing a hailstorm of ice shards, slicing right through anything in their path.
Vali received a cut to her right hand side, as she unleashed her own powers back, firing multiple demonic powers, cancelling one another out.
Vali panted, as Sakai flashed a peace sign. "Continue?"
Vali smirked. "You have to ask?"
Sakai grins, and once more, they fire off at the other to fight hard…
When the match was over with, Sakai and Vali returned to the ground, and Akeno watched on, her lips curling up.
"Ara, you both don't hold back do you? That's incredible."
Vali looked to Akeno, and hummed. "Shall we have a match? I sense power in you."
Akeno grimaced, and wasn't sure if that would be a good idea.
"While that offers tempting, I think I'll have to pass on that one." Akeno giggled awkwardly.
Vali shrugged. "When you're ready is fine with me."
Akeno looked at Sakai, who in turn gives an endearing smile. "So, how're you doing Akeno-san?"
"I'm doing well, the Underworld isn't as scary as I thought it would be. But, I should be asking you, it seems that you're involved in another issue. How is the young Nekoshou-chan?"
Sakai lets out a breath. "She's not really talking, but she is polite, and she does thank me for whenever I bring food, but I can see that she's got hesitation in her eyes, she doesn't really know how to deal with the likes of Devils, understanding really, considering how they treated her, I'd question the motives of Devils too if I was in her shoes."
Akeno could fully understand that. "Though if it is you Sakai-kun, I have no doubt you're going to get through to her. I remember when you came for me, and helped me, even when I tried attacking you, thinking you were an enemy, so I know you'll have that moment with her too, and she'll see there are some good Devils."
Sakai loved the confidence within her that she had for him. "Thanks, I'm gonna try my best~"
Vali looks over. "You're investigating Naberius, aren't you? Think he did things he shouldn't?"
"I've been reading some reports of some less than friendly conduct. There's also a question on how he was able to obtain some of his peerage. From what I can understand, they weren't all that strong in the beginning for the most part, but suddenly got power boosts, based on who his group had fought, such as Stray Devils, and what not, and even a peerage member or two vanishing under strange circumstances…"
Akeno fumbled with her lower lip. "Still, it seems something is going on. If you need any help, I'll gladly lend a hand~"
Sakai flashes a smile. "Thanks Akeno-san~"
Akeno shakes her head. "Nothing to thank me for, its the least I can do. Now that I'm free to do as I like, and I even get to speak with Suzaku often, I never thought I'd be able to do that again, but you made it possible for me. I've thanked you before, but I truly am grateful for everything you've done for me."
"I'm glad for you, Akeno-san." Sakai showed a gentle smile on his face, and conveyed a kind look in his eyes.
Akeno felt a little flush dusting her cheeks, while Vali looked on with a curious expression.
After that, lunch rolled around, and once more, Sakai saw that Shirone didn't come down, so he opted to take hers up for her, giving her the space and time she needed to feel comfortable.
"Its me again." Sakai said politely.
When he heard a "Come in." he entered, and walked to the bed she was sat on, with a tray of food.
"Got some fish, with white rice, and some sauce, you mentioned liking this dish, so I hope it lives up to expectations."
Shirone looked at him, and was surprised that he was still trying to be friendly.
"…You did that for me?"
"Of course, you're our guest here." Sakai walks to the bed, placing the tray in front of her, and casually went to grab the breakfast tray from the bedside table.
"Thank you, for listening to me." Shirone said in a quiet voice.
"Anytime." Sakai looks to Shirone in the midst of grabbing the plates. "We were thinking of going out later on to a park. I wondered if you'd like to come along?"
Shirone stays quiet for a few moments. "...I'll think about it."
Sakai hums, and nods a single time, glancing to see that Shirone was reading a book from the Sitri library that he had brought up for her on her request.
"That book, if I remember right is an adventure book about pirates and such?" She nods. "Its fun from what I recall, though personally I love mysteries."
"…Mysteries?" Shirone asks with surprise.
"I love when there's a story with diverse characters who you've gotta try and figure out what's going on with the evidence you have. Sona-nee-chan and I often have fun reading together, and see who can guess the mystery first."
Shirone was acutely aware he did in fact have siblings, and she thought about her own. "…You love your Onee-sama?"
"I do, she's important to me." Sakai swiftly said, Shirone went into deep thought, eating the delicious food quickly.
When it came time for Sakai to leave, he began going for the tray of food she had finished off, when the girl finally looked in his direction fully.
"…I'm sorry, I'm causing you unnecessary problems."
"You don't have to be sorry for anything, Shirone-san. You've done nothing wrong."
Shirone inhaled deeply, her breath catching in her throat. "…People think I did because of Onee-sama, but she left me behind…and then the Devils came. Ever since then, I've been wondering about Onee-sama…could I be like that too?"
Sakai spoke with compassion. "From what I've seen, you're not like that, and while I'm not the most knowledgeable on Senjutsu, we could learn about it together, if you want? To take your worries away."
The girl registered his words, and she thought his words soothed her, so she got something off her chest.
"I remember our former Master being angry at Onee-sama at times, she thought I didn't know, but I could hear their fights."
"They fought a lot huh." Sakai murmured, making him wonder what truly was going on in the House of Naberius.
"Yes…After we were taken in by him, Onee-sama was offered the chance to become a Devil, and be in his group. She thought about it, but she said she saw something that made her change her mind…I wonder what it was...what really happened that day...? Are the Devils right...?"
Sakai pulls up close to the young girl, and bent to her level. "I'll find the truth for you, whatever happened that day. And I promise, while you're with me, I'm going to keep you safe. No Devil is ever going to put you in that position again, I'm sorry you had to see some ugly sides to the Underworld, hopefully you can see some good in the Underworld too."
Shirone chewed her lower lip, as emotions burst into her being.
Someone…was looking out for her.
It was a feeling she never thought she'd have again, much less thanks to a Devil, and she was inclined to believe him by how he had been helping her.
Sakai noticed she was fiddling with the single hairclip, and cocks his head.
"You've got a nice hair clip, but I saw a picture of you, with two. Did it get damaged?"
Shirone exhaled as she gazed up. "I lost it, when they came and took me away. It was…from my mother, the last thing she gave to me."
Sakai hums, understanding why that would mean a lot. "How about I go and find it for you?"
Shirone blinks swiftly. "You would?"
"Yeah. If this was from your mother, then it means a lot to you. You said you dropped it when you were detained at Naberius's place?" She nods. "Then, I'll see if Sera-nee-chan has it, and if not, then I'll go and find it, shouldn't take me all that long."
Shirone couldn't fathom why someone would want to help her, until she had spoken with Sakai.
She understood, the compassion the boy felt, was directly solely at her, and it made her feel good.
A small time later, Sona was traversing one of the cities in the Underworld, together with Rias.
They strolled along together, just having a nice chat about the latest news in the Underworld.
On the backdrop of their city, Devils old and young passed them by as they discussed various things.
"Did you hear about that Nekomata incident?" Rias began, as she runs a finger through her long crimson hair, brushing out a few bangs.
Sona nods. "Yes, Saka's currently investigating. If nothing else, I do admire his determination and passion for what's right and wrong. And from what I've heard from him, and even Onee-sama, this girls gone through things she shouldn't have too."
Rias folds her arms. "Ooh, so your cute brothers involved, is he? I heard he has a knack for solving mysteries, like that Vali-san girl. In fact, I've seen it first hand with Akeno. So maybe he'll be able to solve this one too~"
Sona fired a hard stare at Rias. "Are you perhaps thinking of being romantic with my brother?"
Rias chuckled lightly, giving off a playful look. "Might even marry him."
Sona pushed up her glasses. "Then be prepared to pass my rigorous tests if you wish be his bride. I wont allow anything but the best to be around Saka. These include physical, mental, and psychological examinations, are you prepared?"
Rias grimaced, then developing a small smile. "Ooh, your love is as strong as ever."
"I merely want what's best for Saka, and if you think that's you, then I would hope you'd be willing to take any test I have imagined to make sure only the best can be around him. Only those serious about wanting to be with Saka may have my blessing. If you do become my brothers fiancee...perhaps its best if I also lend my assistance to make sure you're able to achieve much together."
Rias sweat dropped at Sona's seriousness, but did like how much she cared about her brother. "He would be better than many other options. Anyway, so has Sakai found anything out?"
"Hopefully he doesn't stand in my way, or I'll teach the little bastard a lesson." An irritating voice caught them off guard.
They turned, and saw a smug looking Devil, around their age and looked at them with a disturbing smirk that neither of them liked.
"Zephyrdor, do not call him such names in my presence again." Sona said, crossing her eyes at him while holding back the annoyance she felt for the young man.
"Why not? Because he beat an Exorcist? Who the hell cares. If he fights me, I'd one shot him, like you." Zephyrdor growled, but suddenly shivered for unknown reasons.
Sona scoffed. "I highly doubt you'd one shot Saka as you say, he'd do that to you."
Zephyrdor scoffed. "Doesn't matter how tough you think he is, I wouldn't mind showing that kid a punch or two, Diodora already dislikes him, I'm not surprised. Then again, he is a Devil that associates with Angels, and if rumours are true, even Fallen Angels, and half Devils? How crazy is that? Is he trying to disrespect the great Pure Bloods? It makes me angry that he'd associate with Angels, and other factions...!"
"Its called forward thinking, something I think you're incapable of doing." Rias suppressed a snort from Sona's comment.
Zephyrdor's hand twitched, feeling his anger growing at the fact that Sona had insulted him, his hand emitting a demonic energy signature, flaring in his palm, and aiming it out towards the enemy before him.
"You wanna say that again Sona? No Onee-sama to protect you now."
As he spoke, Zephyrdor felt the air becoming crisp.
Frost was growing on the ground, flowing along the flowers and coating them, making them twinkle in the sunlight.
The temperature decreased to the point that snow fell from the sky, despite the time of year.
Zephyrdor now could feel the chill that travelled all the way to his bones.
"W-What is this cold!?" Zephyrdor yells angrily.
Rias chuckled lightly. "I think you angered the wrong person, look behind you."
Under the instructions of Rias, he hastily looked around, only to see the massive twister of ice shards appearing behind him.
"WHAT THE FU-" His voice was cut off as he was enveloped in the icy twister.
Emerging from behind the icy twister, was Sakai himself, showing an enthused smile.
"Sera-nee-chan might not be here, but I'm here for my Onee-chan, Zephyrdor."
The boy moved his hand to the icy tornado, and snapped his fingers, were it dispersed in a cloud of mist, and Zephyrdor came flying down to the ground, landing on the frozen earth, encased in a block of ice up to his neck.
"You little trash!" Zephyrdor angrily yells.
Sakai scoffs at his ways, even when he was trapped in a block of densely packed ice.
"You have quite the mouth on you for someone trapped. Zephyrdor, I'd choose my words carefully in the future if I were you. Unlike me, Sera-nee-chan would freeze you to the core for making such comments. Though if you keep saying such things in a disrespectful way against my Onee-chan, then I'll have no choice but to defend her, and leave you frozen. Just ask Dildodora."
Rias snickered "Dildodora~" while Sona watched on curiously.
Sona could see the genuine horror on Zephyrdor's face told her that Zephyrdor did have a fear of her little brother, but she thought he brought it upon himself, Zephyrdor was clearly the aggressor, and Sakai wouldn't allow him to do as he pleased.
Sona watches as he hugs her tightly.
Usually, Sona was averse to these sort of affectionate hugs.
But she didn't mind if her little brother did it this time.
"Onee-chan, are you okay? Did that devious guy do anything to upset you? I sensed that you were in trouble while on the way to Sera-nee-chan, and came right away, so he wont bother you again. If he does, I'll give him to Akeno-san, she's quite the cute sadistic girl~"
Sona's lips raise ever so slightly, and she thought he was probably right, she could imagine Serafall going after Zephyrdor with a Maou's power, and while she didn't care for Zephyrdor, she wouldn't wish that on many people.
Rias whistled "That's some sensing power." to Sakai's amusement.
"Of course you too Rias-chan, anyone tries anything, I'll freeze them solid."
Rias's cheeks turn a scarlet colour at the boys words. "W-Well, thank you."
Sona looks to Sakai. "Thank you for coming, Saka."
Sakai flashes his enthused grin. "I'm glad I could protect you from that fiend."
"Thank you for informing me, and also dealing with Zephyrdor, he was becoming quite the problem."
Sakai thumped his chest, and spoke with pride. "Of course, Onee-chan. I can't have people such as that one show such aggression to you, anyone that does, will swiftly be frozen, and if need be, punished~" Sona flashed a rare smile, along with a tinge of red on her face. "If you'll excuse me, got some work to do, gotta see if I can help this neko girl."
Sakai begins walking off.
As he did, Zephyrdor yelled "WHAT ABOUT ME!?" to Sakai, who paused, and looked back at him.
"Well, have you repented on your actions?" Sakai asks, showing a no nonsense stare.
"Yes, YES!" Zephyrdor pleads. "I feel really cold! Let me out, please!"
Sakai crosses his eyes at the boy. "Say sorry to Onee-chan-"
"SONA, I'M SORRY! I WONT SAY IT AGAIN, I PROMISE!"
Sona and Rias give amused eyes as Sakai snapped his fingers, the ice block breaking all around him, Zephyrdor fell to the floor, and stumbled to his feet, shaking as he ran off down the street while cursing and screaming loudly, leaving the trio alone.
"Well, he took off in a hurry." Sakai mused, and twists his neck to Sona. "I've gotta get going, got some stuff I'm doing Sona-nee-chan, I'll see you later. Bye Nee-chan, Rias-chan~"
Rias and Sona watch the boy go, the former glancing at Sona, who in turn looks back at her curiously.
Arriving at Naberius's old home, Sakai had little luck with Serafall having the hair clip, so he got permission to go to the source.
He could see the place looked ransacked.
He could see books on the floor, windows broken, tables flipped, it was like a dumpster field.
"Geez, its like an explosion went off..." Sakai shifted through the mess, and put things he'd checked to the side.
He searched for a few minutes, having had asked Shirone where it might be, but she didn't know where she lost it, so Sakai went room to room, seeing it being a complete shambled mess.
When he got to an upstairs bedroom, he looked around the floor, and hummed, when he saw under a bedside table, there was a hair clip.
He grabs it, and sees it looked like Shirone's other one, he adopted a smile "Gotcha." and put it in his pocket.
However, as he did, he felt a strange presence outside.
He went to the window, and for a moment, he saw on the outskirts of the homes land, hidden within some trees, a creature was staring at him, it looked like an amalgamation of different creatures, similar to a chimera.
"What the..." Sakai went to move, when he saw it firing something his way.
Noting it to be a destructive wave of energy, Sakai threw his hand up, and tanked the shot with a wall of thick ice.
A few more volleys came his way, each being rather strong in output, and capable of causing the ice to shake, showing it had a good deal of power.
"Hah!" In the midst of getting bombarded with attacks, Sakai threw his hand to the air, and summoned a spear of ice.
Launching it with incredible precision, the spear travelled, and though the beast tried to dodge, it received a deep gash to its right hand side.
However, Sakai saw its blood spilling on the ground, and it looked as if it was melting said ground.
"Acidic blood...what is this thing?" Sakai hadn't seen anything like this before, and saw the beast fire itself off into the woods, so Sakai gave chance.
As he dashed through the woods, he saw on his right hand side, Ravel was coming to him, and was being chased by little bug like creatures. "Sakai-sama!"
"Ravel-chan!" Sakai burst from his position, and formed a large spire of ice on his arm, and swung it out, slicing through the creatures, cutting them down a good deal.
Ravel breathed a sigh of relief, and thanked Sakai.
"Thank you, Sakai-sama. I came when I heard you were going through Naberius-sama's estate to see if I could lend a hand. On my way here, some monster came out and tried attacking me. I hadn't seen anything like it before."
Sakai knits his brows together. "Strange...I saw a monster too, I just got attacked back in Naberius's old place."
Ravel reaches behind her, and produces some tattered clothing. "I also found these on my way here. No body, nor blood around. I got suspicious, and went to call you, when that beast came for me. What was it? I haven't seen anything quite like it before, it best resembled a chimera, but also different at the same time."
Sakai folds his arms, and hums. "It seems we've come across some kind of mystery. Whatever it was, I can't detect it, even when I gave chase, it was hard to find."
Ravel inhaled. "You think it links back to Naberius?"
"It was found here on his former land, but he's definitely deceased, so I don't know what it could be. Either way, we've gotta report this to Onee-sama. To be honest, if anything, it feels a bit like we were specifically targeted, doesn't it? Many have been here, but we are the only ones attacked?"
Ravel rubs her chin in thought. "Now that you say it, you could be right. But why us? Its no secret Shirone-san is with you...but, as you said, Naberius is dead, who could've sent it? And to what purpose? Was it a warning? Was it intended to kill us?"
Sakai shrugged. "I don't know, but this mysteries getting deeper now...but, the important thing is, that you're safe and sound."
Ravel adopts a small smile. "You as well, Sakai-sama. Lets get out of here, in case something else shows up."
Sakai agreed, and pondered on what it was that he had stumbled upon, he felt if he kept researching Naberius, he'd find some answers...
Later on, Sakai had informed Serafall of what he saw, and she'd look into it, so Sakai went back to Shirone's room once escorting Ravel back home, with her hair clip in hand, and walked up the stairs at a rapid pace.
Knocking on the door, he waited for the "Come in." to allow him inside, so Sakai steps inside, and saw Shirone sat on the bed, her little fingers curling around the bedsheets.
"…Could you find it?" She asks, with a little slither of hope laced in her words.
Sakai nods a single time, and uncurls his fingers, presenting his palm to her. "There you go, one hair clip. A little beat up, but I fixed it pretty quickly with my demonic powers."
Shirone took the hair clip, putting it in the rightful spot on her head, looking at it with reverence, she thought that she had lost it for good, but she was so glad that she had it back now.
Sakai saw the corner of her lips raise ever so slightly, as she admired it within the mirror close by.
"Looks cute, Shirone-san." Sakai kindly spoke.
Shirone looks at him, and bows her head. "…You've been taking care of me, thank you for being patient with me."
Sakai waves his hand side to side. "You don't have to thank me for that, as I said before, you've been through a lot, I'd be distrustful too if I were you."
Shirone nods, as her mind goes to her elder sister, what she would be doing right now.
The thoughts of her being in her life, worried her, now that she knew what had happened. "…Can I be honest?"
Sakai inclines kindly. "Yeah, what's on your mind?"
Shirone sighs, looking in the mirror once more. "…I think about Onee-sama, and my heart becomes conflicted. …It hurts, thinking about her, yet she was at one point kind to me. But now she's left me…what should I feel? People…keep telling me I'm like her, that I should be merciful that I was spared, that I could end up like her…but, all I can think of is, how I should feel now…"
Hearing her words, Sakai wanted to scoop her up, and hug her tightly, give her some comfort, support.
Though he'd let her come to that conclusion if she'd want that.
For now, he knew he could be there for her in other ways.
Sakai slowly nods his head, and sits close to the young girl.
"I can't answer that. Anything you feel, is completely valid. If you're angry, be angry. If you're sad, be sad. But what I can say is, whatever you feel, you can always come to me, and we can talk about it. You're free to do anything you like here, Shirone-san."
"Really? Anything?" Shirone asks.
"Yeah. Your life has been difficult, but now you're free to do as you like. I promise you, Shirone-san. And if anyone says any different, or makes such comments about you being 'merciful for being spared' or what have you, they're gonna have to answer to me."
Shirone was free…
She hadn't thought about it before, she didn't think it was a possibility.
But his words, brought comfort to her heart.
"… You have a good taste in sweets, I saw the cupboard the other day filled with them. But I know some combinations that are better." Shirone opened up more, feeling now she could trust in Sakai, after all he's been doing for her.
Sakai's grin grew. "I know this little shop that sells all sorts of sweets. We could go and pick and mix, if you want?"
"…I'd like that." Shirone stood up, and began going for the door.
Sakai walked behind her, as she suddenly stopped.
She turned to Sakai, and tilts her neck. "You called me, Koneko, when we first met."
Sakai recalled that. "Yeah, I guess I did. Not like it? I thought it was a cute nickname, since I didn't know your actual name at the time."
"Koneko…is a cute nickname…I like it."
Sakai chuckled, and pulls up beside her. "You be whoever you wanna be, completely your choice."
"Be…whoever, I want to be. I, like that, Sakai-sama."
Sakai shakes his head. "You don't have to be so formal, just call me Sakai san or kun or something~"
"…Then Sakai-san, sweets, I shall show you the best combination."
"I'd love too see this 'best combination' of yours, Shirone-san." Sakai chuckles, and both head for the door.
As they did, Sakai knew as long as Kuroka was out there, Shirone would still have so many questions, questions he honestly had as well.
So he thought about finding her, and truly getting to the bottom of all of this.
If she was an innocent victim, if she was the monster people portrayed her as, if she was something in between, Sakai wanted to find the answers, to give Shirone, some peace of mind, and he wondered about that monster, what it truly was, mysteries, that needed to be solved.
Meanwhile, elsewhere, a young neko kept herself alive by dodging the people giving chase to her.
To do that, she also managed to get some info about the Underworld.
That's when she came across something that surprised her.
"Shirone...she's with a Devil called, Sakai Sitri..."
The young neko stares at the news before her eyes, and read it several times to be sure.
Her little sister was with a Devil now.
She soon managed to find an image of Sakai Sitri, her eyes widening in shock...