Madness: DxD

Missing Mother

Nothing like drinking beer on a sunny day in California. I sit on a bench staring at the sky. In front of me, Xenovia paces like she's waiting for someone one to confess a war crime.

Xenovia: They're late. Typical Youkai behavior. No respect for the sanctity of schedules.

Irina: Maybe they're just nervous! Y/N did kind of... murder their scouts.

Issa: They lunged at Y/N first. He just defended himself.

Asia: Maybe we should pray... for a peaceful outcome.

She says that with her hands clasped, golden curls bouncing like a bakery mascot. This girl could pet a literal hellbeast and make it purr.

Y/N: I'm American. My kind forces people to be peaceful.

Mm. Or maybe you just like breaking things until people say 'please stop.'

Then the air shifts. Cool breeze. Light distortion. I smell incense, cherry blossoms, and ego.

She lands on the ground from a nearby rooftop. Golden eyes, twin fox tail curling in sync, and enough divine pressure to kill my mood. Kunou. All frills and fire. But this time she's alone. No hidden ninjas. No accusatory scream. Just something close to shame.

She bows. Low. Formal.

Kunou: Hellfighter... I came to apologize.

Well, that's new.

Y/N: That so? Not gonna try to ambush me this time?

Kunou: No. I was... mislead. We thought you kidnapped my mother. That you took her to the chaos brigade. I led the ambush against you.

Issa: I don't get it. This guy's been hunting the Chaos Brigade since they've been founded. Why would you think he's working with them?

Kunou: We are well aware of the Hellfighter's exploits. However we didn't know his identity.

Y/N: So you just attack threatening folks on the street?

That's rich, coming from you. Isn't that the whole thing the Legend of the Night does?

Kunou exhales like she's holding back a growl of her own embarrassment.

Kunou: Please forgive me. The Youkai faction has been in chaos since my mother's kidnapping. Without her we might collapse.

Y/N: Why was she even a target in the first place?

Kunou: My mother hosts immense power. She can open gates between realms at will.

Y/N: But not powerful enough to avoid getting kidnapped. You sure she hasn't just switched sides out of boredom?

Ooh, careful. That's the kind of comment that gets people stabbed. Not that you'd mind.

Xenovia huffs out a laugh she immediately tries to hide. Irina just shrugs like that's totally possible.

Asia: (brightly) That's wonderful news, Kunou! I mean—about you not blaming Y/N anymore! Not about the kidnapping—oh, oh dear—

Issa pats her shoulder saying You're doing great, sweetheart.

Kunou steps closer, more composed now. Her tails flick once, then settles.

Kunou: My mother is still missing. But I know you didn't take her. I want to ask for your help.

Y/N: Nice change from trying to assassinate me.