Highschool DxD - On the Run

Chapter 5 - The Announcement

I sat on my chair at the table where a discussion will be held, with Grayfia by my side. I invited both Micheal and Azazel, along with the heads of certain other devil households, Vali's group, and Yasaka as well. As I waited for them to arrive, my thoughts drifted to Max. I needed to think about where he and his familiar ran off to. They can use magic circles, so they could be anywhere in the world. All we need is one slip up, then we have one chance before they run away again. We cannot waste that chance. My thoughts became interrupted the moment the door opened to reveal the heads of other devil households.

Lord Pheonix: "My lord, we have arrived."

Of course, not every single head of every house will be here today. As long as enough of them are here today to hear the announcement, then the word will get around about Max. Soon enough, Yasaka, Micheal, Azazel, and Vali's group showed up as well.

Sirzechs: "Alright, I'm sure everyone is wondering why I called all of you here."

Yasaka: "Yes, why call me of all people here along with the other faction leaders? It must be of great importance." 

Sirzechs: "Yes, it is regarding a devil that has very recently been made a stray devil."

Micheal: "A stray devil? Why is it so important to invite all of us here for one stray devil? Is it truly that important?"

Sirzechs: "Unfortunately yes. You see, the stray devil is someone that was close to me. Close to many of us. It was Max."

Everyone's eyes just widened at my last sentence. I understand that feeling.

Azazel: "No way. I do not believe it. Max? Of all people to turn stray?"

Sirzechs: "I was just as shocked, but I'm afraid it's the truth."

Micheal: "What in the world could a boy like Max do that makes him a stray devil?"

Sirzechs: "He.....raped Rias."

Azazel: "Bullshit. No way Max could do something like that."

Sirzechs: "Rias told me everything. Koneko even smelled the scent on RIas."

Azazel: "It just doesn't make any sense at all! Max isn't the kind of person to do this!"

Sirzechs: "I don't want to believe it either, but there isn't any evidence supporting Max at all whatsoever."

Azazel: "And what evidence do you have that supports Rias' story? Tell me exactly what Rias said."

Sirzechs: "She saw Max and even heard him saying nasty things to her, he lunged at her, knocked her out with some cloth, and then Issei found her naked on the bed."

Azazel: "What if it wasn't him? What if it truly was someone else?"

Sirzechs: "Who else could possibly be mistaken for Max?"

Azazel: "I don't know! Maybe someone used magic on her or something!"

Sirzechs: "And what about Koneko? She said that she caught Max's scent on Rias."

Azazel: "It could have been from before the event transpired!"

Sirzechs: "I would agree with you there if Rias hadn't showered. She showered, then got assaulted, and then Koneko smelled Max's scent!"

I could tell Azazel wanted to speak more, but all the evidence went against Max. He wanted to believe Max, but how could he? I understand why he feels this way.

Sirzechs: "Azazel. Believe me, I want to believe Max is innocent. I want to believe that he didn't do such a thing. I want to believe I am wrong. I want to believe the evidence is all wrong. I want to believe Rias is wrong. But I cannot believe that when all the evidence shouts the answer so clearly. There is nothing, that proves Max is innocent. Every bit of evidence we have is against him. There is nothing that can be done. Letting him walk around freely would cause conflict to occur."