Chapter 5
It had been sometime since Shirone, or Koneko as she liked being called, had begun living with Sakai, who also began checking out Naberius, and finding something's that pointed to him being guilty.
Koneko had settled in pretty well, he could tell she was still quiet around the Devils mostly, but they had many conversations, and frequently talked about a number of things, so he was glad that she was opening up more.
As Sakai was working on a few tasks, he looked to see Ravel and Koneko engaging in, a peculiar relationship.
"…I like KFC, know any good places?" Koneko fired.
"I don't know, but I brought you some milk, like a good kitty should have." Ravel shot back.
Sakai watched the stand off between cat and bird, Sakai was sure for a second he saw Koneko swiping through the air, like a cat would and also saw Ravel pursing her lips in a cute manner.
Sakai couldn't deny they were both cute.
He sat nearby, going over some research, and during his search, he had found something's around his secret lab he had that looked to be about experimentation.
And thanks to that, Sakai knew there was more to it than met the eye.
"Say Koneko-chan, can I ask you a question?"
Koneko stopped her interactions with Ravel for the moment, and nod. "…Yes, Sakai-san?"
"I keep coming across the name Fujimai, does that mean anything to you?"
Koneko nods. "…That was my mothers name."
Sakai hums, showing a complicated face. "I see, thanks."
"Anything else?" Koneko wondered.
Sakai shakes his head. "Nope, that's it, thanks~"
Koneko nods, as Ravel adopts a smile, pulling close to Sakai. "Sakai-sama, I've been getting some requests for marriage lately."
Koneko raises a brow. "…Someone wants to marry you?"
Ravel giggles. "Not me, Sakai-sama. I handle such requests, I offered since Sakai-sama's got a busy life."
"...You do? What do you get out of it?"
"Because I'm going to be joining his peerage one day, I want to familiarize myself with all aspects of Sakai-sama's life, as he does with my own."
Koneko cocks her head. "...You are joining his group?"
Ravel nods. "We've had a good talk about it, and we have decided it would be a good thing for our families of course, but for us personally. Sakai-sama and I have a good camaraderie, and we believe it would be beneficial if we both come together, and make exciting things happen. Plus he has a dream of becoming the Rating Game Champion, I think on a personal level, the levels of strategy involved would truly be something I'd love to be involved with."
Koneko furrows her eyebrows. "…You'll also give him free KFC when you join his peerage? That's a fair deal."
Sakai mouth became agape, while Ravel's eyes flared.
"One saucer of milk coming up, from Serafall-sama's Magical Milk brand from her show~"
Sakai jokingly grimaced, seeing the sparks going off between their eyes.
Koneko shuddered, her eyes sinking. "…Anything but Serafall-sama's Magical Milk…"
Sakai chuckled internally "That could be taken in some strange ways~" but, he was also glad to see despite their jibes at one another, he thought a good solid friendship was forming between them, as he had heard them talk kindly to each other too, and he was happy for them both.
After that, Sakai was in his room, having asked the Grigori for their input into the series of events, and was in a holographic call with Azazel himself, having previously explaining the situation to him, and was listening to Azazel's words.
"Such a situation, you seem to find yourself embroiled in mysteries, don't you? Akeno, these Neko's, Vali. Anything else?"
"Eeh, I've been involved in a few things over my time~" Sakai said with a cheery smile. "Though the more I learn about this, it doesn't sit right with me. That DNA I sent you..."
"Yes, its definitely Devil, and others, a mismatch of DNA you could say."
Sakai looked shocked. "Damn...now that answers some of what Naberius was up too. Kuroka-san, I wonder how much she knew of this..."
Azazel folds his arms. "We also have been receiving reports about a Nekoshou in the Human World, but only sightings, and it was sometime ago now."
Sakai nods. "She's a good hider, I've asked Ravel-san to contact some Youkai in the east while we're talking, to see if there's any connections there since I found her mothers name connected to that place, it's not a stretch she'd go there for some help. But if you could send me the general locations she was seen, might help narrow down the search. She probably is long gone from there now, its better to know where she's been to make a note of what locations she tends to inhabit."
"Of course, I'll send it over as quick as I..." As he spoke, Sakai's door opened.
Revealing Akeno, she began giggling "Ufufu, Sakai-kun, should we go..." but stopped when she saw Azazel.
Azazel's lips curl up. "Ake-"
"I'm sorry." Akeno quickly spoke, and turned her neck. "I didn't realize you were busy."
Sakai watched her go, his eyes shifting to Azazel's downtrodden face. "...I guess Fallen Angels aren't something she likes."
"She doesn't speak much about her past, at least her father anyway." Sakai informed.
Azazel inhaled. "Its my fault, what happened."
Sakai gave a quizzing look. "What do you mean?"
"On the day the Himejima's came, I had asked Baraqiel to leave on a mission for me, one only he could do. They chose that opportunity to attack..."
"Its not your fault." Sakai spoke kindly. "Its something terrible that happened, and we can't control what others do. If it wasn't that day, they would've chosen another day he wasn't there, so don't blame yourself Azazel-san."
Azazel chuckled lightly. "If a kid is comforting me, then I should see the words are wise as an adult as well. Akeno, how is she?"
"She's adjusting well, I talk with her about many things, she's becoming great friends with Rias-chan and others." Azazel was happy about that. "I'm sorry to cut things short, I should go and see how she is, she looked rather upset."
Azazel understood. "Yes, you should go and make sure she's okay. I understand her feelings."
"Her father...does he speak about her?" Sakai wondered.
Azazel sighs. "Not to me, I think if anything he's guilt ridden, and probably worried his daughter is with a Devil now. I've assure him you're a good Devil, but he's an old warrior type, he takes things quite seriously, so he thinks you're a Magical Boy who slays evil beings, and pondered for a long time if that included Fallen Angels, I had to convince him you're not someone who had the desire to destroy Fallen Angels, his imagination runs wild."
Sakai sweat dropped. "Nee-chan's show..."
"Yeah, though I love it personally. Speaking of, I have some ideas for the show. Since we're friends, while it is really good, I have some robots that could join the show, as allies, enemies, a self driving car that has tactile missiles attached to it, and it has your name on it~ Say the word, and I could even market this to other factions, we could collab, and share the profits!"
Sakai curiously looked at him, and chuckled unevenly. "Final decisions have to be run by Nee-chan."
Azazel nods in understanding. "I could have merch ready to be distributed for the best ship in the show, I know fans who are waiting for the love to set sail."
Sakai looked on awkwardly, shifting side to side. "I really should go~ Thanks Azazel-san for your...kind gifts~ Sera-nee-chan will definitely review your suggestions~"
"Thank you, I can't wait to see one of my inventions with Magical Boy Saka-chan!" Azazel seemed peppy.
Sakai slowly nods, and begins backing away while calling Serafall to tell her of this...development.
After parting with Azazel, Sakai went to find Akeno, and travelled to her room.
He saw the door ajar, and he could see her inside, looking at the ground.
Sakai knocks. "Can I come in?"
Akeno looks up, and nods.
So he goes in, and joins her on the bed, sitting beside her. "Are you okay?"
"I overreacted." Akeno began, showing an apologetic smile. "I mean, I know you interact with Fallen Angels, but seeing one after this long, it just gave me a shock to the system, you know? Emotions came rushing back, it was overwhelming to me."
Sakai nods. "Of course. Do you wanna talk about it?"
Akeno shakes her head, and instead took his hand, allowing her fingers to wrap around his. "Sakai-kun, I'm not ready to talk about the Fallen Angels, rather my connection with them. Even then, I feel like since you've done a lot for me, I know whatever I say, you'll be kind about it, and help me feel good about myself."
"Mind reader?" Sakai's joke earned a snicker from Akeno.
"I've just seen how you are with Vali-chan, and helping her with her family situation, the same for Koneko-chan. My family...my father, have you seen him?"
"No, but Azazel-san did mention him."
Akeno inhaled deeply. "...I see, I don't want to see him."
Sakai inclines. "If that's how you feel, then you don't have too. But if I may say...whenever you wanna talk about it, I'll be here. We can discuss as much or as little as you want, or not even at all, if you just wanna sit with me, that's okay too."
Akeno felt him give her hand a gentle comforting squeeze. "...How do you feel about me, Sakai-kun?"
"I really like you, Akeno-san, you're important to me. My friend, someone I love having chats with, and I think you're incredibly sweet."
Akeno loved his words, she knew none of them were false.
But a niggling feeling spread deep in her heart, and she looked to her back.
Akeno began spreading out her Fallen Angel wings. "What about now, Sakai-kun? They're dirty wings, I'm reminded of him, and the same for my Holy Lightning. Its his power. Its why I love looking at your ice powers whenever you train with Vali-chan or on your own. It looks so beautiful, and I always remember when you came to save me, that lovely ice is forever, ironically, frozen in my memory, as I know when I see it, it takes me back to when you first came into my life."
Sakai kindly smiled, noting the crack in her voice when speaking about her wings. "To be honest, I love your wings."
Akeno widened her eyes. "...Sakai-kun..."
"I think they look enchanting." Sakai spoke kindly, gently squeezing her hand.
"Even though I'm a Fallen Angel..." Akeno murmured, feeling a self hate about her own status.
Sakai pulled in close, and gently embraced her.
Akeno felt a passion burning deep inside of her.
Holding her in his arms, she felt comforted, she felt safe.
"Half Fallen Angel or not, I care about you, Akeno-san. Its your power, not his. Yes, you inherited it from him but its yours to do as you wish with it, to make it something all your own. Let me ask you...would it matter if I was...say, I was a human? Or a Youkai? Or even a Fallen Angel?"
Akeno sniffled. "No...you're Sakai-kun, whether you're a Devil, human or what have you."
"Its the same for me. It doesn't matter to me where you came from, you're Half Fallen Angel, that just makes you even more unique, but I personally like who you are, Akeno-san. The kind, gentle, lovely, sadistic-" Akeno snickers, and nods strongly at that. "-sweet girl that you are. And your wings are beautiful, Akeno-san. Even if you don't like Fallen Angels, I hope you love yourself for who you are, because there's nothing wrong with being Fallen Angel, like with any people, there's good, and bad, and you're definitely a very good one."
Akeno's face turns into a bright redness that spreads across her face. "Sakai-kun...you really know the best words to say..."
"I just speak from my heart, never felt like not saying the truth on how I feel."
Akeno rubs under her eye, and gently takes his chin with her fingers.
The next moment, she affectionately kisses his cheek, surprising him, leaving him blushing a little.
"Akeno-san..." Sakai murmured, feeling his face reddening.
Akeno giggled sweetly. "It seems that I've really found a nice boy. Ufufu, even though Serafall-sama says outlandish things, I do believe she is a contender for you too. Vali-chan seems to also have feelings for you, and Ravel-san...ufufu, even Rias probably, and Sona-san, she's someone important to you. So, I shall also become more serious..."
Sakai felt Akeno's form curling into his, and enjoying the closeness between them.
He comfortingly pats her back, and though he could see the pain of her father lingering inside, he felt through their interaction, she saw her wings in a better light from their talk.
Evident by how she had enveloped him in her black wings, so he gently stroked them, earning a little cute sound out of her immediately.
"So soft." Sakai whispered as he stroked the black feathers, Akeno blushed up a storm.
Adopting a kind smile, he glad to see she was settling in better with herself, and feeling more comfortable in her own skin.
A small time later, Sakai had thrown himself into looking up about what truly went on with Naberius, and when Vali heard, along with a potential for a fight, she agreed to help out.
As they worked together, Akeno was with Koneko, keeping her company, while Sakai noticed out of the corner of his eye, there was a little blonde girl casually walking towards them.
Vali noticed it too, and spoke up. "Have you come for some fighting lessons?"
Ravel giggles awkwardly. "Actually, I came to see Sakai-sama, to assist in the investigation. Of course, while you were making closer ties to the Fallen Angels, I've been researching this Fujimai-san and we've found a connection, Sakai-sama."
"No kidding., So, what did you find out?"
"According to some Youkai I managed to contact, if they knew anyone called Fujimai-san, and one did. She said she was connected to someone called Magari-san who holds authority over there. I was thinking, if we could get an audience with her, then we could potentially find out some new things."
Sakai grins. "Yeah, that's an excellent idea Ravel-chan. And while you were doing that, we've found out some information."
Ravel was intrigued, and pulled in closer. "What did you find out? Anything on that strange creature?"
"Yeah. That creature, has Devil DNA." Sakai informed.
Ravel gasped. "T-That's a Devil?"
"Managed to find a sample from a recent attack, and had it tested thanks to Azazel-san, its definitely a Devil, we're trying to isolate it and see who the Devil was." Ravel was astonished. "What's more, according to some info I've dug up together with Vali-chan, we've been able to find out that the Naberius clan had some sort of facility in the Human World."
Ravel raises a brow. "A facility doing what?"
Sakai folds his arms. "We checked it out before, and we found some mostly damaged papers, but clear experiments were going on, and from digging into the finances of the Naberius clan, and some deals he's been involved with….to be honest, the more we dig into this guys work, the more I'm suspecting Kuroka-san might've been put into a difficult situation."
Ravel wore a troubled face. "So she could be innocent...would the Devils listen to her?"
Sakai hums. "It might be difficult, but we just need to find her, and get her story, she might even know more than we do, since that monster has Devil DNA, maybe she knows who it is…but if I was a betting kind of guy, I'm willing to bet its someone in his former group, as they went through irregular power ups, maybe this is how it was done."
Ravel thumbed a few locks out of her eyes. "I never cared for Naberius's attitude, but what he's done, we'll find out, and hopefully clear Kuroka-sama, if she's truly innocent, which it seems to be looking more likely. Thankfully, we're working as a team, and future team at that, so we'll get to the bottom of it~"
Vali raises a brow. "Future team?"
"Peerage." Ravel informed. "In the not too distant future, Sakai-sama is going to be obtaining his Evil Pieces, and when he does, he'll be able to have a few interesting places filled, I'm sure, and we've decided I'll be joining, a mutual decision, mutual benefit situation."
Vali folds her arms inquisitively. "Got anyone else for this group?"
Sakai shrugs. "I've had some offers, but nothing really concrete yet, beyond Ravel-san of course. Besides, I'm wishing to fill it with people that have had a hard time in their life, they have no home or family, we could be a family. That's one of my main goals for a peerage."
"A family…" Vali thought deeply about it for a few moments. "I see. I've been thinking of having a group to belong with. Since I have a few goals in mind, I am not naive to say that I could do it all alone, and you've shown me a good deal of relying on others as well, so it only makes sense to me."
Sakai's interests were raised. "Is that so?"
"Yes. Though for me to have a leader, that person would have to be capable of besting me in a fight. As I'm beginning to understand the power of my Longinus, I think I'll be able to use it in a few different ways."
Sakai was quite interested in Vali's thoughts.
"I can't wait to see how you're gonna use it, Vali-chan. I'm sure if it is you, then you'll be able to do some wonders with it." Sakai checked out the time as he spoke. "Ooh, I'm gonna have to get going, I know Nee-chan has a break soon, so I'll see if we can get permission to go and see this Youkai-san."
Ravel cocks an eyebrow. "Hopefully she might point us in the right direction."
"Yeah, its the best shot we have. We've uncovered some shady business from Naberius, if we find Kuroka-san, then she might be able to tell us more, maybe even show us his shady stuff we don't know about."
Ravel agreed. "While you're doing that, I'll see if I can pull up anything."
Sakai pets her head. "You're excellent as always Ravel-chan~ And Vali-chan, if you wanna go and train with Azazel-san, I can send you if you want?"
"You sure?"
"We've done as much as we can do with these papers, no use sitting on our hands, might as well get something productive out of the day. I'll call and let you know if I dig up anything, until then I'd say we're pretty much free."
Vali shrugs. "Then I'll go and train."
Sakai chuckles. "I guess until later, meeting adjourned~"
Ravel loved to hear Sakai's cheery voice, even when she felt sad, or needing of cheering up, she knew he'd be able to help her.
A small time later, Sakai went to meet Serafall, and upon entering her office, she was seemingly on the phone, and from the one sided conversation he got, it didn't sound like Serafall was pleased.
"I don't know, he's currently not here. Ugh…well, seeing him might be difficult, I'm not sure when he's gonna be here honestly…ooh, I'm sorry about that, guess you'll not have the chance to see him, it'll be a shame, its okay I'll take care of him in your place…ooh, not a problem~"
Sakai raises a brow, and speaks up. "Who're you speaking too Nee-chan?"
Serafall put her hand over the phone so the other person couldn't hear them.
"Just an overzealous fan of yours Saka-chan. Don't worry, your Nee-chan is gonna protect you~" Serafall went back onto the phone. "As I was saying Gabriel-" Sakai sweat dropped at the 'overzealous fan' she mentioned. "-I think Saka-chan's currently busy, so I don't know when he's gonna be free~"
"I'm literally right here. I can speak with her now. Its not an issue, right Nee-chan?" Sakai said with the cute face Serafall adored, and couldn't resist.
Serafall felt like giving in immediately, Sakai knew over the years which buttons to push when it came to Serafall, and what she'd like, she couldn't deny she felt like embracing her little brother right now so tightly.
"Fine…alright Gabriel, looks like he just walked in, good day for you…" Serafall surrendered the phone, and passed it over to Sakai.
"Hey Gabriel-sama~" Sakai began speaking with Gabriel.
"Hello Sakai-kun~" Gabriel says back joyfully.
Serafall frowned throughout the conversation, muttering things like "Better not corrupt my Saka-chan Gabriel." and "That Angel." among other things Sakai noticed, until Sakai finished.
Once he had, she adopts a big smile. "So, what do I owe the honour my adorable Saka-chan~?"
Sakai took in a breath, and began explaining what was going on, and what they had found.
Once he was finished, Serafall was certainly intrigued by everything that was going on.
"Hmmm, you've been a busy bee haven't you? Well, usually it might be something we couldn't do since we're not aligned with them, but because I love you, and you're so sweet, I'll do my best Saka-chan~ Plus, I think based on what you've found out, you're onto something. Okay, I'll send the message, and see what comes of it~"
"Thanks Nee-chan. I really appreciate it~"
Serafall stands up, and moves to her little brother.
"Saka-chan wait, I need to recharge~" Before he knew it, Serafall embraced him tightly.
Her chest pushes up against his face, and holds him close.
Her slim fingers run through the strands of raven black, her adoring eyes on his.
"Aah, this is good, isn't it Saka-chan?"
Sakai lightly pats his sisters back, and shows a kind smile, letting his big sister do what makes her feel comfortable and happy.
As Sakai relaxed in his room towards the night, he stares at the ceilings, he was joined by Koneko, who sat on the edge of the bed, nibbling on some candies she had managed to obtain, Sakai could feel the girl had some thoughts in her by how she would glance in his direction.
"Everything okay Koneko-chan?"
Koneko inhaled through her nose. "…If you find Onee-sama, what are you going to do?"
Sakai knew her feelings about her elder sister were complicated.
Sakai had informed and kept her up to date about what they were doing, he didn't want to blind side her.
"Find out the truth." Sakai began, sitting up, and cracked his neck left and right. "Koneko-chan, you're worried about seeing her again, aren't you?"
Koneko affirmed it with a nod of her head.
"…I don't know what to think. He was evil...but Onee-sama...its so confusing what to think, since I was left behind..."
Sakai could understand the hard feelings inside of the young girl.
He'd be the same if he was also unsure of what was going on in her shoes.
"This is truly a difficult situation, maybe she thought she'd have time to get you, or maybe she thought she'd be able to disable him without killing him, until we find her I truly don't know. But I do know is you went through a lot because of that situation, and its okay to be confused, or anything else, I promise once we find her, if you want to speak with her, I'll make it happen, and the opposite too, if you're not ready, then I'll make sure you're comfortable."
Koneko liked that idea.
Sakai kept looking out for her, and helping her, thanks to him, she didn't hold as negative feelings for her elder sister, as he was proving to her she wasn't as evil as others seemed, yet she still had some feelings she wished to speak of, and he was helping give her the time and place to get back to a place she could freely say her thoughts.
She didn't know what the future held, but in her present, she was with someone that was trying to give her closure, and to help her move forward in her life, it was something she couldn't deny was a wonderful thing.
"…Sakai-san, is it okay...even after Onee-sama is found, I can stay here, with you?"
Sakai chuckled. "Of course, this is your home now too."
"…Vali-san said that too, that you offered this place, as your home."
Sakai was intrigued by that. "Yeah, this is her home, mine, my Nee-chan's, my parents, Akeno-san's, Rias-chan's, all the people who I love, and yours if you'd want it to be."
Koneko's eyes flicker with a few tears.
They were happy in nature.
Having found a place where she belonged, it felt like the best feeling she could have.
"…This can be my home too…the place I belong."
"It definitely is if you want, Koneko-chan." Sakai's words were like velvet to her ears.
She looked down at his hand resting on hers, offering her silent, but needed comfort.
"Sakai-san…can I ask selfishly…I want to understand about Onee-sama's feelings."
Sakai inclines. "I promise, I'm going to do all I can to find her, and bring her back, so we all can understand what's been happening. Personally, I think she's a victim too, based on all the evidence. But I also know you went through a lot, so don't worry, I'll take care of your Onee-sama, you concentrate on you, I'll make sure she's okay."
"Thank you, Sakai-san."
Sakai kindly gives her reassurance, her hand soon finds its way to on top of his own.
She didn't say anything, she just quietly fiddled with his digits, as if trying to feel the textures of his fingers.
Soon enough, she felt fatigue come over her, her head found his shoulder, her fingers clutched his own.
Eventually, Koneko falls asleep, curled up to him.
Adopting a small smile, he quietly lifts her, and moves to her own room.
Placing her in the bed, he covers her with the bedsheets, whispering "Good night, Koneko-chan." as she tosses in the bed, snuggling into the blankets.
Sakai in turn goes for the door, when he sees Serafall stood there.
Seeing her big smile, Sakai knew she had some news, so he made his way to her.
"Heard anything, Nee-chan?"
"We have. A Youkai Nekomata, named Magari-san became quite intrigued when we mentioned Fujimai-san. She said she'd like to meet tomorrow, to discuss this further."
Sakai felt elated at hearing that, it was the break they needed.
Arriving in the land of the Eastern Kanto Youkai the next morning, Sakai, Vali, Serafall, and Ravel all look around the area. It wasn't the actual place they lived, it was more of a beautiful woodland area, filled with various Youkai scattered around them.
Sakai could feel different waves of power surrounding them. Sakai had asked Koneko if she wished to come, but she wasn't ready yet, which he understood, so had asked Akeno to look after her until they got back.
Looking around, Sakai murmured "Kamatachi's, lightning beasts, Youkai's are gathering around…" as he counted off the Youkai that were coming around.
Serafall remained calm, whispering "Don't worry Saka-chan, let Nee-chan handle this." in a very soothing voice, Sakai inclines, knowing even if she was goofy at times, she was excellent at her job, he was immensely proud to be her brother when she showed her skills in diplomacy.
They all wait for Magari to show up, noting the Youkai, while not showing anything hostile, could feel the Youkai were at the ready to jump them at any moment.
"If this Magari wants a fight…" Vali begins, hope in her voice, even if masked by her usual cadence.
Sakai snickered. "All yours, Vali-chan."
Vali looked satisfied, as Ravel felt the unnerving eyes of the Youkai on her form.
So she instinctively pulled closer to Sakai, and quietly held his hand.
When he looked, he saw she was looking away, so he wraps his digits comfortingly around the young girls hand, reassuring her through touch alone that he'd be there, and make sure the Youkai didn't come for her.
Ravel felt the comfort, appreciating it a good deal.
Soon enough, Sakai spots a young looking cat coming towards them.
White fur with black spots all over.
Sakai could feel a good flow of power from this being.
Vali also felt it, and she thought it would be good if they could face off against one another.
"So, it was odd for the Devils to contact the Youkai's of this faction. Though when you mentioned Fujimai, I had to become involved, and find out what was going on, and why you people thought it was okay to not only tarnish her name, but to come for round two."
Sakai felt the harshness in her words.
Sakai looked to Serafall, who exhaled.
"Wait, we didn't come here for 'round two' as you put it, we came because of the girl Kuroka-chan, and what's been going on with her."
Magari shakes her head. "Fujimai is dead, because of the machinations of humans, who align themselves with Devils."
Serafall exhaled. "We aren't those people. Didn't you receive the reports we sent over?"
"I did, but how can I believe it? The human that lured Fujimai away, and had children with her, yet disregarded them and her for the sake of his research. And to align with Devils, I know they had some involvement on what happened that day. Look, even that girl there is part human, no doubt a girl involved."
The hostility that Magari held when she pointed at Vali, Sakai unconsciously moved towards her. Even knowing she could take care of herself, his body reacted to defend her, something Vali noticed, and took appreciation with.
The Youkai around all begin to hiss, and growl at the Devils, as if reacting to the negative feelings Magari had for them.
Vali looked around, as did Sakai, in case they attacked, Sakai also making sure Ravel was protected by him.
Serafall tries her best to quell the tension in the air.
"She is part human, but she's got nothing to do with them. Her situations complicated, but we assure you that's not the case in what you're thinking. If we could have sometime to explain, then I'd be able to tell you about it."
Serafall knew this was going to be a tough one.
She was confident if it came to a fight, she'd be able to win.
But they didn't come looking for conflict, and hoped to resolve this peacefully.
"Very well, you have a few minutes."
Serafall thanked her, and turned to Sakai, who pulls forward. "I've got information that might help you understand we didn't have involvement. Its true that Devils were involved in the incident, but it isn't as cut and dry as you're making it sound."
Magari looked to Sakai. "You are?"
"Sakai Sitri, ma'am. I'm investigating about what's been happening. With Kuroka-san, and currently a girl named Shirone-san lives with us."
Magari furrowed her brows. "Is that so?"
Sakai nods. "Yes ma'am. We want to find Kuroka-san, there was an incident in the Underworld involving her."
Magari gives suspicious eyes. "And what are you planning on doing with Kuroka once you find her?"
"We want to find out the truth, ma'am, and go from there." Sakai spoke respectfully. "If she's guilty, innocent, we don't know. We came here with the intension of possibly knowing where she is. Since her mother knew you, I had pondered the idea that she might've sought you out, to help her. We don't wish to cause her pain, or strife, truthfully we have evidence she's a victim, but I need her to confirm a few theories we have, she'll have evidence we simply can't get."
Tensions ran high.
It was so high, it was thick, and could be cut with a knife.
Sakai also felt Ravel's hand clenching his own very tightly, so he kept assuring her.
"…You'll give her a fair trial?" Magari asked after a minute of silence.
Sakai nods. "You have my word. Even though she killed him, we have Naberius did things to others, to his own group, its not a stretch he tried it with her too. So a huge part of me believes Kuroka-sans not the monster everyone is making her out to be, but a victim. She didn't get the chance to voice her views before, I want to help her voice be heard now."
Serafall was proud to hear her little brothers words.
Ravel was happy, as this is what she desired to have in a King, someone who looked at all angles, who wasn't bias, and who would try his best for others.
Vali recalled her own first meeting with him, she could imagine Devils would've been against her as well, so she was happy to see he was a genuine Devil who held no bias for his own people or others, and only sought the truth.
Magari rubbed her paw underneath her chin.
Sakai then watched as she came closer, and held out her paw.
"Show me more, your other documents said you'd show me evidence."
"Yes, please read these." Sakai nods, and passes all he had to her.
Including what they had seen, what they had found out, who was involved, and what they currently know with the knowledge they had.
Magari read through them, very carefully.
She was trying to see if they would falsify things, or if this was a trick to let her guard down.
However, during it all, Sakai and the others simply waited for her to finish.
"Tell me about Shirone. Is she well?" Magari's words were completely void of any animosity, and showed a genuine care, so Sakai knew that they had gone down the right track with this, finding out the young girls
"She is, I can have her contacted if you want to speak to her. Though with everything she's been through, she didn't feel ready to delve into topics of Kuroka-san and other things like this." Sakai offered her, and explained at the same time.
Magari was able to use her powers to see if he was lying.
Reading the flow of his ki, and general demeanour, Magari tried to find out if he was lying or not.
She asked him and the others more questions.
Trying to catch them out, or to reveal some truths.
Whatever it was, she wanted to know.
But, as they talked, Magari was surprised to see that they were being genuine, and Magari quickly fact checked what she could with her fellow Youkai's data gathering, and soon determined that what they could quickly learn about, it seemed Sakai and the others were telling the truth.
After about an hour of questions, and inquiries, Magari hums, and pulls closer to the group.
"We've got something's to discuss. As for Kuroka, that child can be naughty, but she's always loved her sibling, that I can be certain of. If you can reunite them, then I'll listen and give you assistance."
Sakai bowed his head. "Thank you."
Magari nods, and they got to work...
Two days later, Kuroka was lazing in an abandoned home, looking for her next move.
She didn't really have a care for the human world as a rule, it wasn't the Underworld at least.
But her thoughts kept going back to her little sister.
What she was doing right now, if she was safe.
It ate at her inside that she didn't know what had happened, beyond knowing she was with Sakai.
"She probably hates me now." Kuroka thought, falling back on a beat up old couch. "Not that I can blame her. But she is with that Sakai Sitri boy, he'll take care of her..."
Kuroka smiled at her own thoughts, and curled up into a ball.
But then, she felt a sense of dread, upon realizing that she had a visitor.
She looked to the crumbling door, barely held together by its wooden frame.
She made her way to the door, feeling a Devils power fast approaching, so she was ready to summon her Senjutsu.
Upon opening the door, Kuroka was stunned when she met the cute, handsome face of Sakai.
"Ah, there you are, Kuroka-san~ Phew, we've been looking high and low for you."
"How'd you find me?" Kuroka asked, pulling back a little.
"A combo of a few things, but a big help came from Magari-san."
"Magari..." Kuroka backs away slowly, looking over the young boy, wondering if he was speaking the truth.
She also saw behind him was Vali, and Ravel, both gazing at her.
"A Devil squad…a cute boy. I'm sure the other Devils are coming soon. I can't succumb to this Devils cuteness, it wont stop me..."
Kuroka enjoyed herself for a few moments, something she hadn't had the chance to do in a while.
Though reality came back on her when Sakai spoke up.
"Yes, that's right. We had some info, and mixing it with her powers, we searched some lands, and she narrowed it down for us. Forgive me, my name is Sakai Sitri, I'd like to talk to you about the situation you're in..."
Before he could finish, she cut him off. "Nyaa, the Underworld sent you to come and get me?"
Sakai shakes his neck. "No, they don't know about this."
Kuroka wanted to believe it, but she didn't know if she could.
"I'm not going back!" As quick as lightning, Kuroka lunged towards Ravel's body, hoping to disable her, so she could make a get away while they tend to Ravel.
But moments before she was going to be hurt, Sakai whipped his hand out, and his ice flows around Kuroka's Senjutsu.
She became shocked as she saw his ice freezing over her Senjutsu, and causing it to shatter.
"Damn…that was pretty cool nyaaa~" Kuroka compliments.
Sakai gave a jovial smile. "Thanks. Though Kuroka-san, please let us speak, we've been looking for you yes. However, we have evidence that does support he was an evil man, and his experiments on living people. So please tell us that day, what happened, what Naberius did, and why you did what you did. We can help you, but we can't if you don't work with us, and tell us your story."
Kuroka wanted to believe it.
She wanted to accept it.
This was something she had dreamed about.
But her time with Devils hadn't been the best, they had been difficult, and now...she didn't know what to say.
"Devils...they wont believe me. Even you, who I know is a good boy..."
Ravel gave suspicious eyes. "How do you know Sakai-sama is, in your words, a 'good boy'."
Kuroka flashed an earnest smile at the young Devil. "Because I've seen it before. However, you all are tied to the Devils, and I can't go back. Though, you've been looking after Shirone...I'm thankful for that."
Kuroka's words told Sakai she was being genuine.
But, at the same time, the distrust she had for Devils was evident, she had been through a lot, Sakai couldn't blame her at all.
"However, you can understand, I can't just accept the words of Devils so easily, would you do the same thing in my position nyaa? I need to keep going for one day to be reunited with Shirone. So please don't get in my way, I don't want to fight you, but if you try and stop me, I will fight you."
Sakai could very much understand the position she was in right now, and saw Kuroka was on edge, she was worried that they were going to take her back and she'd be killed.
Considering her experiences, Sakai felt like it made all the sense in the world she was thinking that.
Understanding that, Sakai and the others knew they'd have to get through to her, and show her, they truly wanted to know what was going on, and they'd help her, even if they have to stop her from fleeing first.