Highschool DxD - On the Run

Chapter 6 - Doubts Amongst the People

As the days passed, the people kept their eyes out for the newly-declared stray devil and his familiar. Many people simply kept watch rather than actively search for the two, but they all knew someone will get to them eventually.  Sirzechs occasionally told the devils to search areas of interest, but deep down he knew that finding Max needs much more time and resources. 

Azazel refused to allow many of his fallen to search for Max, but some cared not anyways. Many were not interested in hunting a stray devil, and mostly just kept an eye out for him. The many who did not actively search did not deem it necessary to actively search around the entire planet for one stray devil.

The angels cared the least compared to all other factions. They believed that Max did commit the crime, but they also believed in redemption. What many did not know, was that Michael secretly told his angels to capture Max and bring him to a church where Michael would speak to him instead of killing him. Michael believed Max was innocent, but could not let anyone else know.

The youkai loved Max but hardly knew what to believe. Yasaka wanted nothing more than to protect her people, but also experienced second thoughts about turning Max in. Part of him wanted to turn Max in, but the other wished to harbor him in Kyoto. Her daughter Kunou also wished to keep Max safe in Kyoto. 

Vali and his group wanted nothing more than to hear Max out and keep him safe. For everything he had done for the group, they wished to repay him in full. Ophis did not wish to be involved in the issue. She did not want to go hunt for one of the people she considers a friend, but she did not want to go against and/or potentially harm people close to him.

Overall, everyone felt it was mostly the devil faction's problem. The devils were most active about hunting Max. The angels wanted nothing to do with hurting him until they all heard his words. Many fallen were held back by Azazel but did not care very much for the issue. The youkai were divided, and the leader did not know what to do.

The whole event had thrown the supernatural world into turmoil. People, peerages, councils, houses, and factions, are divided on what to believe. All while Max and Pocacty continued their life in the forest.

In Kyoto, Yasaka walked around her main hall. She heard some people walk into the room and turned to see Azazel being led by one of her guards.

Guard: "My lady, lord Azazel requested to speak to you."

Yasaka: "Thank you, you may return to your duties."

The guard bowed and stepped out of the room. Yasaka then turned her attention to the governor.

Yasaka: "Why do I feel I know why you are here, Azazel?"

Azazel: "Maybe because I wouldn't be here for much else?"

Yasaka: "Perhaps. Max?"

Azazel: "Yes."

Yasaka sighed and took a moment before continuing.

Yasaka: "What about him?"

Azazel: "You aren't actually gonna turn him to Sirzechs if he comes here, are you? After everything, we've all been through. Everything he did for us."

Yasaka stayed silent, prompting Azazel to continue.

Azazel: "You don't really believe he did something like this?!" 

Yasaka: "I..."

Azazel: "I know he didn't do it, and something tells me you believe that too!"

Yasaka: "Azazel!"

Azazel was struck with silence upon hearing her shout. She took a short breath before speaking again.

Yasaka: "Frankly, I don't know what to believe anymore. I don't know if Max truly did it or not. I don't know if Rias told the whole truth or not. What I do know, is that my people are in the same set of mind. They don't know what to think. I also know that as a queen, I must protect my people. It is my duty to protect them. If Max has to die to keep them safe, so be it."