Bare This Curse

Chapter 1: Here We Go Again

*yawn*
I stretched my limbs as I slowly opened my eyes to a cloudy winter sky.
{Afternoon, sleepyhead.}
I looked to my left, seeing Tetra, the Mother Earth Dragon sitting next to me in her human form wearing a rather alluring Ms. Claus outfit.
'Hey, Tetra.'
I yawned again.
'What time is it?'
{Hmm... About... 15 minutes before lunch break is over.}
'Ah, OK.'
I looked out at the school yard, seeing the students all hanging out and having fun with one another. They all wore some sort of heavy coat with a Christmas theme on their attire somewhere. I grinned at them, and unintentionally got a few girls to blush at me.
'Oops...'
Tetra laughed.
{Seems your still popular with the ladies after 3000 reruns of the same life.}
I chuckled.
'I guess I-'
"RUN!!! GO GO GO!!!"
I perked up and saw the Perverted Duo running away from the Kendo Girls, who, for some reason, had Christmas uniforms for their club to spar with.
{Peeking?}
'Peeking.'
{Are we gonna bother this time?}
'...'
{...}
{'Nah.'}
I heard the bell and stood up, walking into the school with Tetra at my side as I put on a Santa hat. No one but me could see her, and I was more glad that I could speak to her with my thoughts. It came in handy seeing as people in run 2045 thought I was a bit coo coo for Coco Puffs. I walked up the stairs to the classroom, and right when I was about to set foot in, I felt them. Their presence.
'Devils...'
{Neito. Ignore them. We shouldn't be wasting time right now.}
I sighed and nodded, walking in and taking my seat. The room was decorated with Christmas ornaments and the such. Since it was nearing Christmas and we were in the middle of December, it doesn't surprise me that they're putting this up. Now, when they start shoving Santa Claus down my throat during the beginning of November, then I have a problem. It doesn't matter anyway, because I've been back here so many times. I shook my head as the teacher started the lessons.
-----
I walked along the hallway with my Vice President towards my classroom. The end lunch bell had rung about 3 minutes ago, and we had made our way to the second floor. I passed by a room, glancing in at a boy who stared out the window. Akeno looked in at him as well, keeping her smile. I narrowed my eyes in concentration.
"Hmm... How strange. I sense great power within that boy. Is he a new student?"
"Hehehe.~ He is, indeed. He didn't seem at all nervous at his first time here. I can't wait for an opportunity to spoil my new junior."
My lips formed into what people call a mysterious smile.
"This boy sounds very interesting. I'll be watching you, Neito Shumitto."
-----
*crunch* *crunch* *crunch*
"..."
I stopped when I reached the bridge that led to my home, my feet buried in the snow. I looked down to the freeway, frowning.
'This is where everything began.'
Tetra walked up beside me.
{You come a long way since then.}
'Technically speaking-'
{Don't finish that sentence, young man.}
I snickered, then looked up at the sky.
'So now we play everything out again, hoping to get further.'
{I'd figure you'd have been emotionless about all this.}
'You're right. I should be. I don't have the strength to care anymore, but... I don't know. I guess I just want to see what happens when I get farther. It's... actually kinda nice being coddled by my seniors, despite it not being for very long.'
{Aww, aren't you just the sweetest thing?~}
I sighed at Tetra as she giggled, then I frowned again when Yuuma made her approach.
"Excuse me? You're Neito Shumitto from Kuoh Academy, right? Or am I wrong?"
I turned to her, forcing a smile. She was wearing the same uniform that she had worn throughout the other runs. I winked at her.
"Yea, that's me. Name's Neito, but ya already knew that."
She blushed and fidgeted, which I noticed, instead of being a forced blush, it was kinda genuine. I found that weird but shrugged it off.
"H-Hi. I... Uh..."
"Is there something I can do for you, buddy? I'm glad to help anyone out with anything. Tis the season, after all."
She let out a small giggle.
"Well... Sort of. I just wanted to ask a quick question. Are you seeing anyone right now?"
I shook my head.
"Haven't been in a GOOD relationship in a while."
"That's great!"
"It is?"
She perked up and covered her mouth.
"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean it like-"
"Chill, pal. I'm only having some fun. What's your name?"
"My name? It's Yuuma Amano."
I cringed at that name, but kept my composure.
"Nice to meet'cha. What was your question?"
"Oh! Right! Since your single and all, do you think you can go out with me?!"
"Go out?"
"I've seen you pass by this bridge a lot on my way back to my home by the church, and you seem so... What's the word...?"
"Laid back? Lazy? Carefree?"
"I was going more for gentle. A-And you are kinda cute too."
I noted that she really was blushing. This was no act. This was completely real.
'Is it just me, or is Raynare a bit... shyer?'
{I've noticed it too, Partner. It's rather unexpected, I must say.}
"Y-You see... The thing is... I-I would want us to get to know each other better. We're from different schools, but I always see you pass here and I've always wanted to say hi, but never really had the courage until now."
"You want to go on a date. Is that it?"
She squeaked and shied away, hiding her face in her gloved hands as she was completely flushed. I really found this to be odd, but in all honesty, I wasn't really caring. If Raynare was really this kind, then maybe I could have her as an ally for the first time. I walked to her and put a hand on her shoulder.
"I'll take that as a yes?"
She nodded.
"Great. I'd love to."
She shot her eyes up to me as they glistened with stars.
"Really?!"
"Yea, sure. I don't really have anything planned this time around, and there's a Christmas festival going on down in the town Strip tomorrow. We could take a look around there, do a lil shoppin', go to an arcade, get something to bite, whatever ya want."
She beamed at me, then glomped me tightly, snuggling against me.
"Ooooooh! Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!!~~~"
I chuckled and patted her back. She shivered a bit from the breeze that blew.
"You cold, pal?"
"A little..."
"Hmm... Here."
I unzipped my coat and took it off. I wrapped it around her, then stuffed my hands in the jacket pockets I had on underneath the coat.
"There. That should keep ya warm for a bit."
"But don't you want it-"
"Keep it. You'll need it for the winter and I have a spare back home. I'll see you tomorrow at 5, OK? That's when the festival starts."
"OK! See you then!"
She turned and walked off happily, giggling like a school girl. I gave her a suspicious look.
'This Raynare...'
{I don't have any words for what just happened. She seemed so shy, yet so enthusiastic. Are we sure this is Raynare?}
'It has to be. Looks exactly like her disguise. I guess for name's sake, we'll keep calling her Yuuma.'
I turned around and walked to the stairs to the street that led to my house. I was so engrossed in my thoughts about this new Raynare that I didn't even see Koneko watching me from above the staircase.
-----
"I see."
"You were right. 100%."
"Yea, you totally called it."
"I'm just glad I sent you two to keep an eye on him."
"Yup."
"So, what's next? What do we do with him now?"
"We'll need to make up preparations immediately. That's all we can do. Everything else depends on him."
-----
I looked up at the town clock as I waited for Yuuma to get here.
'Should be here any second now.'
"Here. Take a flyer."
I looked down at the piece of paper being handed to me. I took it, then looked to Rias's Familiar. She smiled and walked away.
"..."
I wanted so badly to crumple this thing up and throw it away. If I were to die by Yuuma's hands, I don't want to be revived and reborn just to be used. I sighed and put the flyer in my pocket.
'But it's not like I have a choice anymore.'
"Neito!"
I looked to my left, seeing Yuuma heading towards me. She wore a Christmas shirt with a green tight pants that, I'm sure, kept her legs warm. I was much the same with colors, except I had a green jacket and red sweats on along with my trusty Santa hat.
"Heya, Yu-Yu. Ya made it."
She blushed.
"Y-Yu-Yu?"
"Heheheh. Sorry, buddy. I like to make nicknames with good friends of mine. I hope you don't mind."
"N-No! Of course not! I actually like that nickname. It's better than the one my sister gave me."
"Your sister?"
"Yea. Her name is Raynare Amano."
My grin immediately dropped as I gave Tetra a side glance. She looked just as shocked as me.
"Hello? Neito?"
I perked up, then shook my head.
"Sorry about that, buddy. I spaced out there for a second. It's nothing important. So? You ready to enter the festival?"
"Yea! Let's go!"
She tugged me along eagerly. I was still dumbfounded that in this run, Yuuma was Raynare's sister. I decided not to focus on it and have some actual fun with the Fallen Angel.
"Alright then, Yu-Yu. Let the date begin."
-----
"I sure had fun today!"
"Heh, glad you did, Yu-Yu. I had some fun as well. It was nice to hang out with someone again. I guess you could say it was the best day I've had in a while."
"I'm glad."
We turned and walked towards the fountain area in the park. I dreaded this moment and my anxiety intensified as Yuuma stopped me by stepping in front of me and placing her hands on my chest.
"Yu-Yu? Something wrong, bucko?"
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Shoot."
"In honor of our first date..."
She traced her finger in a circle around my chest as she blushed.
"There's something I want you to do to commemorate this special day for the both of us."
"Uh... Sure. Shoot. Go ahead and ask, Yu-Yu."
She smiled and looked up at me.
"Could you close your eyes for me, please?"
"Close my-"
She gave me puppy eyes.
"OK. OK. I'm closing them."
I shut my eyes tightly, not daring to look if this was my demise. I put my hand in my pocket, gripping the flyer in case she-
*chu*
"Mmm...~"
My eyes shot open when Yuuma had leaned up and kissed me. This wasn't an innocent five second kiss. This was a passionate one where she was fighting for dominance and winning easily. She gripped the back of my head pulling me closer as my mind was literally exploding. Tetra's jaw dropped at the scene as I took the flyer and crumpled it, throwing it back deep into my pocket. I wrapped both arms around her, returning the embrace as I've never felt so much happiness in any of my lives. She soon broke the kiss, hugging her head into my chest. We stood there, just being in the warmth of each other.
*sniff*
She blinked when a drop fell on the top of her head. She looked up at me as I was crying.
"Oh! Are you OK? What's wrong?"
"It's nothing. Just... I've... never felt happier... in my life..."
She smiled warmly at me, wiping the tears off my face and hugging me again. I looked up at the sky, smiling.
"It's... such a beautiful night outside."
"Yes, it is... Hey? Can I sleep over at your place?"
"Huh?"
"My home is being renovated right now, and I'd much rather sleep comfortably."
Her smile turned to a sly grin.
"And you'd seem like the perfect hug pillow.~"
I chuckled and ruffled her hair.
"Sure, and you can even transfer from your school to mine tomorrow as well. It'd be nice to have my new girlfriend there with me, hanging out at the free hours."
She giggled, then pecked my chin.
"OK, but we should get home. It's getting colder out."
I nodded and led her by the hand back to my house. We didn't even hesitate to crash on the couch, with her laying on top of me. I grabbed the remote and flipped on the TV, watching it with her until eventually we both fell asleep for the evening.
-----
"Zzzz..."
I grinned up at Yuuma as she was wearing her old school's uniform. I was giving her a piggyback ride on the way here and I think she fell asleep on me.
{Well, aren't you two just the precious?}
'Shut up, Tetra...'
I walked through the front gate, hands stuffed in my pockets as her legs were under my arms and held up securely. Students looked my way and were immediately gawping.
"N-No way!"
"How did- I don't-!"
"Does this mean he's taken now?!"
"No!"
"And it's such a hottie too!"
I rolled my eyes at the students around me as Yuuma moaned and rubbed her eyes.
"Ngh... What time is it?"
"Um... Around 8 in the morning, Yu-Yu. First period should start in less than a minute."
I let her down as she nodded. I heard the bell ring as soon as I did.
"Speaking of which..."
She snickered and held my hand as we walked into the main foyer. I directed her the way to our homeroom right after I got her confirmed into the school. We walked up the stairs and turned right. I stopped upon seeing Rias Gremory right down the hall. She was with Akeno and walking in our direction. I made sure to be on the opposite side of the hall from her to not only stay away from her but to protect Yuuma from them. I kept my eye on the two as we passed. They gave a glance at us as we went by and I gave them both a raised eyebrow over my shoulder, then a darkened scowl as we continued down to the classroom. I stopped her right outside.
"Stay here for a second."
I walked in.
"Hey, teach? We got a new student right outside waiting to be introduced. Whenever you're ready, she's there."
I winked back at Yuuma and she nodded. The teacher nodded and instructed me to sit down. When the class settled, she walked up to her podium.
"Alright class. Today's the second to last day before Christmas. I hope you all are excited about that. Before we begin today's lesson, we have a new student. Please welcome her warmly. Come on in, miss."
Yuuma stepped in, bowing to her respectfully. She took the piece of chalk and wrote her name down before turning to the class.
"Hello everyone. My name is Yuuma Amano! It's nice to meet you all!"
"D***! She's hot!"
"She's so pretty!"
"Look at that black hair!"
"Alright class, settle down. Do we have any questions for Yuuma here?"
Several hands rose. She picked on one.
"Are you single?"
I facepalmed as Yuuma shook her head.
"Nope! I've just been taken off the market, as a matter of fact!"
Matsuda stood up sharply.
"What?! By who?!"
Yuuma pointed to me.
"By Neito over there. We've just recently became a couple and is a really great guy to be with."
"I think you're adding more fuel to the fire, Yu-Yu."
"Yu-Yu!?"
"He's got nicknames for her?!"
"D*** it! Why did she pick him?!"
I sighed at the class, then shrugged at Yuuma when she was confused. I motioned to the seat next to me. She happily walked over and sat down next to me, getting her things out for class. After the uproar settled down, class finally started.
-----
"I'm telling you. People like the Perverted Duo are people you should stay away from. They may LOOK harmless, Yu-Yu, but trust me, they aren't."
She nodded as I leaned against the wall in the mid section of the stairwell. She stood with me, leaning on me. She did this a lot today, saying I was soft. I wrapped an arm around her, which she nestled into. I smiled at her, then was on alert when I felt the presence of Rias and Akeno again. I looked up at them as they stood at the top, looking down at me. Students up on their level were complimenting them left and right as they proceeded down the stairs slowly. They turned the corner and flashed a grin at me. They were about to go down the next set of stairs, until I stopped them.
"Hey."
Rias stopped and looked back at me. I fished out the crumpled flyer.
"You forgot something."
I threw it down at their feet, making Rias widen her eyes.
"I won't be needing it."
She was about to protest, until she saw the group of students on the top and bottom of the stairs. She picked it up silently and walked down the stairs, Akeno following her down. Yuuma smiled up at me, pecking my cheek. I returned with a grin and rubbed her arm as I still had my hand wrapped around her.
"Let's go home, Yu-Yu. Class ended a while ago anyway."
We walked down the steps and towards the exit. When we reached the gate, I stopped.
"Hey? Why don't you head home without me? I gotta make a quick run to the store since I forgot a couple days ago. Think the sale's still up."
"OK. I'll see you then."
I waved to her as she walked away. I stuffed my hands in my pockets and went the opposite direction towards town.
-----
"I just don't get it."
"Rias. Calm down."
"How can I calm down? By crumpling this us and throwing it at my feet, he's refused to join my peerage!"
"Perhaps we could talk with him face to face."
I looked to Kiba with a raised eyebrow as Koneko spoke.
"He's going to the supermarket as his Fallen Angel girlfriend is going home by herself. She's bound to be tracked now that she isn't around the target, and when she's in danger or confronted, I don't have any doubts that Neito will come running."
"Where would you think his friend would be confronted?"
"My guess is the park. Secluded from the open, and is a good spot if it's dark."
"Hmm... Yes. We can intercept him while he's on his way. We can strike a deal and help him."
I stood up.
"Akeno. Prepare the Magic Circle."
-----
"Thank you! Have a nice day!"
"Mmm-hmm! You too!"
I walked out of the market with my bags in hand. Considering that Yuuma was staying for a bit, I had to grab a bit extra for us. I made a small yawn as I went down the sidewalk, then I perked up when I suddenly felt a barrier being placed somewhere. I looked around and pinpointed the direction of... the park.
'Isn't that a shortcut to my... Oh no.'
{Partner... Run like you got a f***in purpose!}
"Yes ma'am!"
I dropped the bags and bolted down the sidewalk towards the barrier. I made sharp turns and went through alleys and even jumped over speeding cars. I was about to get to the entrance of the park when a Gremory Magic Circle appeared in front of me, blinding me with its light temporarily.
"It seems we got here just in time."
I recognized that voice. I looked back at the dimming Circle as Rias and her current peerage stepped out of it. I gritted my teeth.
"Rias Gremory and the Occult Research Club. What do you want?"
Rias waved a hand with a smile.
"I only wish to talk with you."
"Kinda at a bad time, Rias. My friend's in-"
"You mean that Fallen Angel who's deceiving you?"
"She's not deceiving me. Move it, red head!"
Her sweet smile turned to a smirk.
"Sharp tongue. I respect that, but let me be clear. You're in MY territory, Neito. While I do not intend harm in the human world, I will not be disrespected."
"I don't give a sh** right now! Would you f***in leave already!?"
I leaped over them using a rising spire to jump over them. I was about to go again, but I was snagged by Koneko and Kiba, who held my arm and leg.
"Not so fast, Neito. I finally get to speak with you. I am not letting you go just yet."
"God d*** it! Let go of me! I need to help her before she gets killed! F*** off!"
"We're only restricting you because we want to make a deal. Your service for our protection."
I growled.
"Of course you'd go there. I'm not in the mood to be dealing with this bullsh**! NOW LET ME GO!!!"
I punched Kiba off me and used my other leg to knee Koneko off. I sprinted into the park, seeing Dohnaseek, one of Raynare's Fallen Angels threatening Yuuma with a spear.
"There's no use running anymore. You're essential to our plans. We need our fifth member, whether you like it or-"
*STAB*
He gasped and gagged out blood as a stone spike drilled through his back. A large boulder came flying at him from nowhere and slammed him back into the fountain.
"Yuuma!"
I ran to her as she turned to me with her wings spreading in surprise.
"Neito!"
She flew over to me, landing beside me and hugging me. Dohnaseek pushed himself from the rubble.
"What did you just do, you little sh**!?"
I glared at him and threw my hand forward, making a hole appear below him. He looked down, confused, then yelled in pain when a bunch of magma shot up to him and engulfed him. He fell to the ground, burned heavily.
"Gh-! I've gotta warn Raynare! You're a huge problem to us!"
He turned and flew off before I could react. Ignoring him, I turned to Yuuma.
"Yu-Yu! Are you OK? Did they hurt you?"
She smiled at me, clutching my jacket.
"I'm OK. Thank you."
"That was rather impressive, Neito."
I groaned as I turned around, looking at Rias and Akeno.
"What now?"
"My, my. It seems he certainly doesn't want to get involved with us."
"D*** right. I finally have something to fight for again and you were trying to get me to abandon it. Crawl back to hell, you f***s!"
My eyes glowed yellow as I was outlined with the same color. Rias stared at the rising rocks and debris with interest.
"Incredible. He has the Earth's Gear. That makes you worth joining my peerage."
"I told you NO already!"
I threw my hand up, making the ground crumble before them, causing a small fissure. This distracted them enough for me to grab Yuuma's hand and make a quick escape. I got her back home and ushered her inside quickly. I locked the door and made sure all the blinds were closed. I looked around the house, making sure they didn't create any Magic Circles around here. I sighed in relief when there were none, even as a signature. Sitting down, I relaxed my body as I leaned back on the couch.
"You don't seem very happy being around them."
I looked to Yuuma as she sat down next to me.
"Yea... I'm not exactly thrilled to see those Devils."
"Did something happen between you?"
"I guess you could say that. You wouldn't understand if I told you."
"Try me. I've seen some pretty weird things."
I sighed again and sat up.
"OK, imagine this. You've been on an adventure in a new world with new places, right? You experience friendship and hardship, then at one point someone strikes you down. The moment everything fades away, you're right back to where you started, only to do the same thing again and again, getting further and further in your life as you do. Get the picture."
She stared at me with eyes the size of dish plates.
"Y-You have... the Cursed Sacred Gear; Time Break, don't you?"
"How did you... know about that?"
She twiddled her thumbs a bit.
"I've done my research on it when Azazel told me to study on Sacred Gears. It's a type of Sacred Gear no one can control. The moment you die, everything you've achieved is all for nothing."
"Yea, it sucks."
"How many loops have you gone through?"
"You mean 'runs'? If I remember correctly, this is run #3058."
"3059?!?! Y-You've been rewinding your life and dying that many times?!"
"And the reason why I hate Rias and her crew is that they mercilessly take out the pawn pieces inside me every time I rescue her from Riser Phenex. It's... a mess, and I hate living like this."
I rubbed my eyes.
"On the plus side, though. My powers don't reset when I go back, which means I get stronger with every run and make it farther and farther every time."
"But to think. To die that many times, I would have given up at that point."
"Don't get me wrong. It hurts a lot, and it's a pain that will never truly go away, no matter how much motivation I get to go forth. The only reason why Devils like Rias and Akeno are still alive is because I made a vow not to harm them."
"Why did you vow not to hurt them?"
"Because every time they bring me into their peerage, they treat me like family till the end. It's refreshing to see that kind of love, even if it's short lived. I don't even know why you exist."
"Excuse me?"
"During the other runs, you are a disguise that Raynare puts on to fool me. I honestly thought about just killing you and getting it over with, but when you became all enthusiastic, I knew there was something off."
"So then... What now?"
"I've lost all my life goals at this point beside continuing to strive forward through this eternal purgatory and see it to the end, so I can probably help you with-"
*pat* *pat* *pat*
I blinked, then walked over to the door, unlocking it and looking down to see a black cat.
"Huh... It's a black cat. Looks rather thin."
"A black cat? Where'd it come from?"
It purred as it rubbed up against my leg.
"Dunno, but it looks to be hurt and hungry."
"Well, then let it in. Is it a boy or a girl?"
"I think it's a girl."
I let it come in and I shut the door behind me, locking it again. The cat walked over to the living room and looked around. I went to the fridge and fished out some of the fish. I took a quarter off a large bass and sliced it into pieces, putting it on a small plate and setting it down next to the cat. I jumped when it yanked the bowl down and began eating eagerly.
"Geez, this one must be REALLY hungry."
I took a look at her fur, seeing it was a bit messy.
"Guess I'll go run a bath. Keep her occupied till I get it ready."
I walked upstairs to the bathroom, going to the bath and turning the faucet on. I let the warm water rise to a point where this cat won't have to swim for its life and went back downstairs, seeing the cat drinking water.
"Alright there, cat. Time to take a bath."
She immediately stopped taking a drink and looked up at me. I reached down, but she batted my hand away. She didn't use any claw, though. I made another attempt and she kept fighting back. Soon, I was able to pick her up and get her into the bath. Oddly enough, she wasn't having a fit over the water.
'What a strange cat...'
-----
The next morning, we walked to Kuoh Academy, once again getting eyed. The day went without any problems what so ever, and I, for one, enjoyed it with Yuuma. It was near the end that things became... worse.
"Look! It's Kiba!"
I gripped my pencil angrily. I muttered angrily.
"Will they just leave me alone?"
Yuuma placed a hand on mine.
"You all are looking lovely today."
"You look better.~"
"I'm sorry the room isn't cleaner.~"
He began walking towards us. I snapped the pencil in half and stood up, walking around Yuuma's desk and standing in front of her in defense.
"Go away, Yuuto."
"Sorry, friend, but I'm on an errand for Ri-"
"I don't give a sh** what errand you're on, nor do I care about what any of your friends are up to. Leave us alone already. You've almost lost me my girl just so you can have me join your f***in pe- club. I'm not coming with you, end of story."
"Sorry, but I can't take no for an answer, Neito. You have to come with-"
"I'm not afraid to beat your a** in a hand to hand fight right here and now, Kiba. I'm sure the girls would love to see their precious Prince get his face broken, right?"
I scowled at him, my eyes glowing slightly.
"I'm only going to warn you once. Stay. Away. If I find any of you on my property or talking to Yuuma when I'm not with her, you will find your Old School building in f***in FLAMES! Do I make myself clear, Kiba Yuuto?"
He frowned at me, then turned and walked out silently. I huffed and sat back down, ignoring the people around me except for Yuuma. We chatted for a bit until it was time to go. She went and sat down as I got us some lunch. Unfortunately for me, I got in line right in front of Akeno. To my surprise, she didn't say anything to me. She just minded her own business. I remembered back in the other runs how she was the one who I liked the most. She understood me and cared for me, even when Rias was removing the pieces, she whispered comfort into my ear. I got our food, then walked out. I stopped and looked back at her as she began walking out herself.
"Hey, Akeno?"
She looked to me and tilted her head.
"Yes?"
"You wanna sit with me and Yuuma out by the tree outside?"
She blinked, then smiled brightly.
"Sure.~ I'd love to. I needed to ask you a question anyway."
"Alright. Hey, Yuuma!"
She popped her head up from the crowd and I motioned to the door. She nodded and walked out that one while we caught up with her. She was a bit skeptical when she saw Akeno tagging along.
"Easy, Yu-Yu. She ain't gonna bite... I think. Besides the point. She's sitting with us for lunch. I'll make sure she doesn't hurt you."
She blushed and went along with us silently. We got outside and to the tree I normally sit at. I plopped myself down and handed Yuuma the tray, only taking the Mountain Dew off it. She sat on one side while I sat on another. I popped open the can and took a sip.
"OK, so what is it you wanna ask me, Akeno? It seemed important."
"Kiba came back from his attempt to bring you to us, saying that he failed. He told us you had a lot of hatred for us."
"I do..."
"Why? We've never met in our lives. Is it just Devils in general, or are you connected with Rias in a way?"
I saw a flash and memories of Rias's committed crimes against me came up from the back of my head. I gritted my teeth as I gripped my head. Tears flowed down my face as I remembered the endless hell. Yuuma saw this and immediately was at my side, trying to calm me down.
"Make it stop. Make it stop. Make it stop. Make it stop!"
"Fallen Angel? Erm, Yuuma, was it?"
"Yes."
"What's wrong with him? Was it something I said?"
"No, no. I'm sure it has nothing to do with you. Just... I've seen this happen last night. He woke up in the middle of the night having the same panic attack. I think he would have snapped if I weren't here to calm him down. I've learned so far that there are triggers, and I think you pulled one. Neito. Breathe. Come back to me. What you're seeing isn't real. It's all erased. It's OK..."
I slowly my breathing as my pinprick eyes slowly turned back to normal. I clutched her uniform gently as I made several deep breaths. Akeno placed a hand on my other arm.
"Calm... Listen to my voice... Calm... That's what you need to be right now. Calm..."
"C-Calm... Hah... I... I'm sorry. That happens. To answer your question, I'll ask one of my own. Are you familiar with Sacred Gears?"
"Yes."
"What about Cursed Sacred Gears?"
"I've done my homework on those."
"Have you heard of the Cursed Sacred Gear, Time Break?"
"Yes. It's an uncontrollable Sacred Gear that everyone feared. If the user dies, it will rewind their life and let them try again. Though, most of the time, it backfires on them and becomes their own living nightmare. What about it? Why bring that up now?"
"Put the pieces together, buddy. I have that Sacred Gear."
"You what?! How?!"
"I don't know, but I'm too tired to explain. All I can tell you right now without wasting breath is that I've gone through 3000+ reruns of my life, each time getting further after dying. Akeno... Your master is responsible for almost half of those deaths."
"W-What? I don't... I don't understand."
"I've never gotten past beating Riser, because Rias force ejects the Evil Pieces from my body, and I am left to die in the arms of those who I thought were friends. Over time, I guess I grew to hate everyone who is a Devil... Well, everyone except you. It's because of the many yous that cherished me like the others didn't is why I'm telling you now."
I leaned on her, my expression saddened.
"You accepted me, and understood me. You even comforted me in my times of death, letting me drift off into painless sleep. You were the only one who was nice upfront, and STAYED that way."
I held her hand.
"I've found something to fight for. You and Yuuma, and any of those who stayed with me till the end."
I smiled at the both of them.
"Never change, alright? Can you do that? Losing the both of you could mean my sanity, and for your sake as well as mine, I don't want to lose it like that and become genocidal if anything."
Akeno's usual demeanor came back instantly as she giggled and patted my head.
"Don't you worry your silly pumpkin head, sweetie. I'll be sure not to change. I always have to look out for my cute juniors."
"Hey! He's mine! I'M his girlfriend!"
Yuuma hugged my arm, puffing her cheeks out at Akeno, who giggled in return and hugged my other arm.
"Seems like I have competition.~"
I sighed and leaned back, taking a small nap while these two duke it out.
-----
"Are you sure you don't want to come to the club? Rias would be glad to finally meet you."
"I don't think you remember what happened the last time we met."
Akeno flinched at that.
"I'm sorry, Akeno, but the answer is no. I'm not coming to the ORC, and none of you are going to force me... but..."
"Hmm?"
"I want you to give me a heads up when Riser shows up. If and when he does, I'll deal with him myself."
She smiled.
"So, you really do care about Rias.~"
"Of course I do, but the way she acts enrages me. She was being a spoiled b**** when we first met and almost got Yu-Yu captured. Just gimme a call when that bird comes to the lounge."
I gave her my number and walked away. Yu-Yu met me at the gate and we walked home. On our way back, we heard someone stumble and fall. I turned and saw a nun girl on the ground.
"Ooooh... It looks like I fell down again. I am such a klutz."
She sat up and blinked in confusion when she saw us looking at her from across the street. Only one thought came to mind when I saw her.

'Who is that?'