Duality (DxD) (Part 1)

Ch 86 - Getting Stronger For A King

Jin held Aika in a hug as she slowly recovered from her exhaustion. With a bit of help from Jin and his Senjutsu. He found he could heal people and in turn help them slightly recover lost energy. But as Aika recovered more she hugged Jin back. Nestling into him. Feeling his warm body as her hands traveled under his kimono and around his back. But even if she was being a bit handsy, Jin didn't stop it. Just hugging Aika, taking in the for once, peaceful moment with her. His heart beating fast.

Mittelt: I... WHOSE THERE?!

Mittelt quickly span around and flew into the sky, holding one spear in her hand as three other pink spears floated above her, looking at a certain tree she sensed someone hiding behind. Jin had sensed them long ago, but that was before they entered the forest. It didn't help that this person wasn't very good at hiding or stalking people.

Mittelt: If you don't come out I'll attack first!

Saji: Wait wait! I didn't come here to fight you! {Was she always a four winged Fallen Angel?!}

Saji came out from behind the tree with his hands up. Shooting glares at Jin who held Aika in his arms. Helping her up onto her feet and helping her maintain balance by keeping a hold of her. When fighting she didn't monitor her limited Demonic Power at all. Because as much as magic with Demonic Power took imagination and good senses, it also took power, not something Aika had in droves being only a single pawn.

Jin: Well I would say your appearance was a surprise, but I'd be lying. So why are you here?

Saji: I didn't get to fight you with my strongest point! My Sacred Gear! The fight was unfair and I challenge you to a do-over!

Aika: Saji you know you are not capable of beating Jin.

Aika said knowing full well what Saji was capable of. She didn't just train with Jin and Mittelt, she was a part of Sona's peerage. She trained with them too and knew Sajis Sacred Gear well. But even if Aika said that, Jin's interest was something he couldn't ignore.

Jin: Aika, do you think you can stand by yourself?

Aika looked at Saji, looking at Jin as she sighed. Knowing she was going to watch a tragic match of Saji being beaten embarrassingly again. Standing on her own as Jin walked forward:

Jin: Before I fight you, I want to know why you're doing this?

Saji: FOR SONA!

Jin: You've said that but she's told me she doesn't want this. I want to know what's your reason for fighting me.

Saji: BECAUSE IT'S NOT FAIR! You... you come into school and now you are all that's ever on her mind! I really like her but as soon as you come about she seems fixated on you! At weekends she disappears, she goes to the chess club after school to hang out with you, it's not fair! You've been here less than a month and now everything revolves around you!

Aika looked confused at Saji. Looking back at Jin who too looked confused. Only to clock what was happening.

Aika: Saji, why do you think Sona chose me to be a pawn in her peerage?

Saji: Because you were a human really good at using magic.

Aika: Have... HAVE YOU NOT BEEN LISTENING THE ENTIRE TIME?!

Aika shouted as Saji stepped back, if anything Aika was a very scary woman. Completely crazed with magic and a massive pervert. A deadly combination.

Aika: Have you been stuck in a day dream for months as to not listen to Sona?!

Saji: W-What do you mean?

Aika: Jin knew Sona long before she ever met you! He's known her for years!

Saji looked at Jin shocked as he looked at his nod. This was complete news to Saji despite how often Sona talked about it with Aika and her peerage. They were all familiar with Jin, all besides Saji who was stuck in a daze every time he looked at Sona. Stuck in a dream.

Saji: I... I love her!

Jin: Ew. Why would you love your sister?

Saji: What?! No! Sona and me aren't related!

Jin: But... you don't view her like a sister? Like she views you as a younger brother.

Saji: That... THAT'S NOT TRUE!

Saji shouted as a deformed lizard formed around on his right hand. One with purple jewelled eyes and metallic black. His Sacred Gear. Throwing his hand out as a whip of light shot out and attached to Jin. But Jin just looked down at it, grabbing it as Sajis eyes widened, watching Jin pull it off.

Saji: H-H-How did you...

Jin: Look, I don't care how you feel for Sona, but she cares for you deeply and views you as a brother because of that. I'm not going to go into the dynamics of how there are other people that like you, I'm not going to be responsible for the peerage Sona built falling apart.

Jin used Instant Movement as he quickly appeared in front of Saji. Grabbing him by his arm and looked into his grey eyes with his crimson red ones.

Jin: But if you ever hurt Sonas feeling trying to push yours onto her, if you become so hurt by this that you begin to pull away from her, I'll see to it that you will become nothing but blood on my hands.

Saji looked at Jin and tried to move his arm. But it was tight in Jins grip, unable to move even a bit.

Saji: You... you really care for her.

Jin: Why wouldn't I?

Saji looked at Jin as he had a tried smirk, hanging his head down as he felt completely helpless. Embarrassed by himself.

Saji: I can't believe it. I wasn't having someone I loved being stolen away from me. I was the one trying to steal them. Even then I couldn't fight for them. I'm completely helpless.

Jin: Is that really what you think of yourself?

Saji: It's what I am. Just look at me. I was beaten by you twice. Overwhelmed. I'm weak.

Jin: Do you want to stay like that?

Saji: Of course not. But...

Jin: Great.

Jin threw Saji over his shoulder as Saji widened his eyes in complete shock and surprise. A blush of embarrassment on his face as Jin looked at Aika and Mittelt.

Jin: Let's go home.

Saji: WHAT THE HELL?! LET ME DOWN!

Jin: Saji, I actually knew of you before we met. I just couldn't put a name to your face but Sona had a lot to say about you before we ever met. She really cares for you. In her eyes you're like a little brother, but in mine, you're much stronger than that. I know of the traffic accident your parents were in and the passing of your grandmother. I know how you took care of your younger siblings all by yourself. I'm amazed by you Saji. Because you're strong enough to handle the burdens of others. You took responsibility for your siblings and took care of them. You are strong. The question is, do you want to get stronger to take on some of Sonas burdens? Will you continue letting her shoulder your burdens and responsibilities?

Jin said as Saji was silent. Saji was completely loyal to Sona. She was someone that helped him and his family in tough times and took care of them. The responsibility was carrying was taken off his shoulders and onto Sonas. He felt weak because he had nothing to carry anymore. Even his own burdens were carried by Sona. He was a pawn, he was supposed to carry the burdens of his king and he wanted to.

Jin was giving him an opportunity to grow stronger. To become someone that could carry their own burdens and claim responsibility again for others.

Saji: I... I want to get stronger Jin. I want to be something more than a little brother to Sona! Even if my feelings can never be reciprocated, I need her to know I'm thankful for what she's done for me! I want to get stronger not just for me, but for her!

Jin smiled as he took Saji home. Thinking of a way from Saji to get stronger, because he was going to help him.

To Jin, what he heard of Saji was amazing. Because Jin had such trouble for so long taking care of himself, yet Saji was always able to take care of others. To carry any burdens his siblings had and claim responsibility for them, all by himself.