Bare This Curse

Chapter 2: Nun and Strays

'Who is that?'
I stared at the nun who was sitting on the ground. Yuuma was just as curious, but snapped me out of it. I jaywalked over to her and held out a hand.
"Hey, buddy? You OK? That was some spill."
She took my hand and I helped her to her feet.
"Oh. Yes. I'm OK. Really."
The wind blew and took off her hood. It flew in the wind and I ran for it, catching it before it got far. I walked back to her and returned it. She smiled and took it graciously.
"That was very sweet of you."
"It was nothing, kiddo. Just bein' nice."
Yuuma walked up next to me, smiling at the nun.
"Hello, Asia."
"Lady Yuuma!"
"You two know each other?"
Yuuma nodded.
"She's with me and my sister... Well, technically my sister now that I'm considered a traitor."
"It'll be alright, Yuuma. We'll work something out. Say, you heading to the church now, kid?"
"Oh! Yes! I am! But, uh... I kinda got lost..."
"Need an escort to the church?"
"Really? You'd do that?"
"School ended a couple minutes ago, so we can spare the time to do that. Come on. I'll show you the quick route."
We walked along the sidewalk, basking in the afternoon day as Yuuma and I led her towards town.
"So, you a tourist, kid?"
I knew the answer, but I wanted to make small talk.
"Oh no. I was just assigned to the church not too long ago. I really am glad that I ran into kind people such as you. I guess someone still is looking out for me, huh?"
"Whether it's God, or friends, there'll always be someone."
I smiled at Tetra next to me as she held back a coo. I looked to Asia's cross that hung around her neck, then sighed.
"Is everything OK?"
"Hmm? Yea. Just... reminiscing. Good and bad memories, y'know?"
"I understand. I do that sometimes myself. It's good to reflect."
I nodded in agreement, then stopped when I heard a child's cry. I recognized this scene. Asia ran over and healing the child, comforting him afterward. It all played out just the same. Asia turned back to us when she was done.
"All done now, sorry."
"Ah, it's OK, bucko. Come on. We still got a ways to go before we get to the church."
"Alright."
She walked back to us as we continued.
"I bet you're surprised."
I glanced at her, then shook my head. I pointed my hand at a stone on the pavement, lifting it in the air with my powers.
"Trust me, I've got my own powers to be impressed by. Bet that healing power is quite nifty, though."
"Thank you. I consider it a gift and a blessing."
She saddened slightly and muttered.
"Truly... It's wonderful."
I frowned down at her, knowing full well what comes in the future for all of us.
"Hey! There it is!"
Yuuma pointed ahead to the church. Down the street lay its front sign.
"Ah, yup. That there's the church, alright. Oddly enough, it's the only one in this town."
"Thank goodness I found it. What a relief."
"Y'know, it's strange. I've... never seen that many people up there. It's always been sorta decrepit and abandoned. Guess it was revived."
"Let me thank you for your help properly. Would it be a problem for you to come inside with me?"
"..."
I looked to the side for a second, before sighing.
"Sorry, kid. Can't. We got somewhere to be."
"Oh, that's OK. Guess I should go too. It was sweet of you to help me. My name is Asia Argento."
"Name's Neito Shumitto. You are very welcome, kid."
"Neito, huh? Well, meeting you here was a blessing that I'm sure I'm not gonna forget. Thank you.~ And I hope we see each other again."
"Heh, don't sweat it, buddy... It's been cool getting to know ya."
"Same. If you're ever bored or in the neighborhood, come by and visit me in the church. That's where I'll be."
"Sounds like a plan. Give Raynare my regards. Have a good one, kid."
She nodded and waved as I walked away with Yuuma. She, in my eyes, was the sweetest girl ever.
'I'm glad she was never there to experience my deaths and painful hardships. She wouldn't be able to take it.'
I got back home, only to drop my stuff off and change to my normal, casual attire. I slipped on a black shirt with a black zip up heavy coat. I put on some casual jeans and a pair of dark brown boots.
"Hey, Yuuma? I'm going to the Occult Research Club to visit Akeno."
She rose an eyebrow at me and crossed her arms. I shook my head and snickered.
"It isn't what it seems. I'm only gonna go take her for some grub down at the diner. I figured you could use a rest after a day like today, and I want to become friendly with at least ONE of Rias's peerage members. The more I have on my side, the more defiant they'll be if and when Rias decides to eject the Evil Pieces from me."
"You're planning on joining her peerage?"
"Yea. I gotta keep my life going the way it has to go. The next step forward is to join Rias's peerage, but I have to do it at the right time. That's why I want to make friends with her members first."
She nodded in understanding.
"Just keep this in mind, Neito. I'M your girlfriend, not those Devils."
"Heheheheh. I gotcha, Yu-Yu. I won't replace you. You're probably the first good thing that's happened to me in a long while, so I can't replace you for another good thing."
She smiled and pecked my nose before giggling and walking off to the living room. I sighed and turned, walking out into the snowy evening. I glanced up at the sky.
"Hard to believe Christmas is only in a couple days and I won't even be able to celebrate it with all this commotion."
{Oh, come now. You can make time.}
'I mean... I'll try, but I can't guarantee.'
{Then that's good enough with me. *yawn* I'm sleepy. I'll go back into your subconscious and rest a bit. My powers are now at your disposal.}
'Thanks.'
She fazed out of existence and went back into my head. I walked along the icy sidewalk until I got back to school. I opened the gate and went down the path to the Old School. I stopped in front of it, looking up at it.
'Well, time to take a first step...'
I walked in through the front door, going up the flights of stairs till I reached a hallway. I walked down it and entered the lounge, which was the ORC headquarters. To my surprise and relief, Akeno was the only one there. She was cleaning up Rias's desk and neatly stacking papers, humming a tune as she did. I let the door close, allowing it to get her attention. She turned to me.
"Neito?"
"Heya, Akeno."
"What're you doing here?"
"I came to see if you wanna head out for some food at the diner."
"My, my. Is my junior asking me out?"
"Trust me. If I did that, Yu-Yu would have my head. No. I'm only offering because I want to get to know my friend better. I never did get close to you during the other runs. At least, not as far as to get the opportunity to ask you something like this without interruptions. To be honest, even if we were distant, you were my favorite out of this bunch."
She smiled brightly.
"Aww, that's sweet of you to say.~"
I blushed, then looked back at her when she sighed.
"I'm sorry, though, Neito. I can't come with you this time."
"Why's that?"
"A Stray Devil's appeared, making mayhem in the human world."
"Oh, right. Forgot about that. You'd figure after 3000 runs, I'd memorize all this, but I guess with all the new things going on, it slipped my mind."
"It's OK, though. I'm always happy to accompany after we're done with the Stray."
I flashed a signature grin at her.
"Cool. I'm down. Where's the Stray's location? I can meet'cha guys there and keep it distracted till you show up."
She handed me a map with a warehouse to the south circle with a red pen. I nodded and handed it back, walking out just as Rias walked in. I praised my luck and sprinted towards the south, making my way to the warehouse in about 3 minutes tops. Once I got there, I walked in quietly, sneaking my way in until I got to the familiar main floor. I let the large door slam shut behind me and I walked out to the middle of the floor, stuffing my hands in my pockets.
"Mmm!~ Now what is that scent?!~ It's so sweet!~"
'Here she comes...'
I watched as Visor walked around the pillar, revealing herself to me in all her naked glory.
"Was that scent you, little man?~"
"Heh. Little man. That's funny. Yea. More likely than not, that scent was me. I'm here to put you down before the Gremorys get here."
"Hahahahahahaha! Put me down?! That's awful humorous! OK, then! Let me show you just what I'm made of!"
I narrowed my eyes when she revealed her real form, which was still terrifying. I grinned as my eyes glowed yellow. I slowly rose up my hand, then threw it forward, sending any sort of stone debris in the room at Visor. Hitting her was not a problem. If anything, it was too easy. I dodged an acid that she shot from... places and pointed up, letting the floor crumble and burst, making her fly to the ceiling. I waved my hand and a geyser shot her right back down to the floor. I looked out the window, seeing a red glow.
'They're here.'
I turned back to Visor as she roared and charged at me. I dodged and weaved around her, letting her continue on and crash hilariously into a pillar. I held my hand out, making the pillar highlight yellow. I threw my hand down and let the pillar collapse on Visor. I leaped up into the air, seeing my opportunity and materialized a metal spear in my hand, launching it down at her and impaling her hind arm to the ground. She ripped herself from it, leaving a massive wound on her leg. I pointed my hand up, a yellow Magic Circle appeared in it. Slowly, all the stone and hardened material became another spear, this time, one that was 30x taller than the last one. Visor widened her eyes and I pulled my arm back. The spear flew behind me, then soared forward when I thrust my arm to Visor's direction. Somehow, she was able to dodge it and it went crashing through the wall and out towards the city. Luckily, I threw it hard enough for it to go out of the city before landing.
"Alright. I think that's enough playing. Tetra? Balance Breaker, please."
My body flashed a bright yellow light and I was covered in a copper Scale Mail armor with diamond jewels adorning the joints of the armor as well as the center of my chest. My eyes glowed and burned a fierce yellowish orange color as I grinned from inside the helm.
{Mother Earth Dragon: Balance Breaker!}
I threw my gauntleted hand to the side, creating a sword of solid obsidian. I dashed towards the Stray, slicing off her two main forearms in the speed of knight, perhaps even faster. I flew back as she roared in pain. That pained roar turned into one of fury as she rampaged towards me. Her 'bottom' jaws opened up, chomping me whole. I looked around inside the mouth before my two gauntlets turned to iron. I smashed them to the sides of the jaws, opening them back up and flying out. I came back around and reeled back, slamming the solid iron attack right into the center of the giant maw, breaking out the teeth and sending Visor flying via uppercut. She crashed into another pillar as I touched down. I looked at the saliva on me.
{"Uugh... Gross."}
{You're telling me. You're WEARING me, so I feel this more than you do.}
I chuckled, then walked towards the Stray as she was down. I pointed my claw up and a part of the ceiling was highlighted with a yellow hue. I tilted my finger downwards and the ceiling collapsed, crashing right down on top of her and pinning her to the ground. I walked over to her as she struggled in vain. I stood over her, looking down at her and shaking my head.
{"I bet I would be in your position about 5 days from now. I pity you, Visor. Time and time again, I have to kill you over and over. It's rather painful to watch you get crushed and stabbed to death by my powers."}
"Go... to hell."
{"I'm already living in one, buddy."}
She gagged, then choked violently as two stone blades came up from the ground, stabbing straight through her throat and heart. While walking away, I snapped my fingers, letting another hole appear below her. A stream of molten hot lava burst from the hole, just like with Dohnaseek, but this time, she couldn't avoid a direct hit, and burned away until there was nothing left of her as it engulfed her completely. I clenched my fist, stopping the volley of heat and sealing up the hole. The armor glowed brightly for a second before disappearing. I made a tired sigh before looking at my phone for the time.
"Only 6:46, eh? Still got some time for some food. Wonder where those Gremorys are..."
"Oh, Neito?~~"
"Speak of the Devils."
I turned around, seeing Akeno walking towards me.
"That was amazing, Neito."
"Heh, thanks, Akeno. But that was only a small taste of my Balance Breaker. You don't want to know what happens when I get pissed."
"Oh, I'm sure I do. Just thinking about that boiling rage filled power makes me feel warm in my chest.~ Want to feel?~"
"E-Erm... No thanks. I already got a girlfriend, and I'll take your word for that. Sorry that I actually didn't wait up for you. I get a bit hasty when I'm hungry."
"Oh? Are you still offering to take me out?"
"Of course. I wouldn't have come to annihilate a Stray Devil for you for nothing."
She smiled, then turned to the rest of her peerage as they came out of hiding. I mumbled a swear as Rias smirked at me.
"Well, that was rather-"
"Amazing? Impressive? Outstanding? Save the monologue, Rias. I know what this'll lead to, and the answer is still no. I will NOT join your peerage."
She growled in frustration.
"Why?! Why are you choosing to deny this opportunity?! I'm not a bad master! The Gremory Family is known for treating their servants like family! Why would you decline an offer like-"
"Because I know you'll only just use me in the end."
She perked up at that and I smirked, catching her on her scheme.
"I-I would nev-"
"Bullsh**. You are planning to use me to get out of something, then after I save your a**, you're just gonna toss me aside, removing the Evil Piece inside me and killing me. I know what you're planning, and I, for one... am confused."
"C-Confused?"
"Mainly for this one question I'm about to ask you. If you toss away one of your members without a second thought, what would that tell the rest of your servants?"
She flinched at that.
"What would they think? Would they think they're a special case and would never be discarded like that, or would they feel as if they're just as expendable?"
"I-I... I don't..."
"Rias... Be honest with me. Would I be useful to you after I bail you out? Wouldn't the great and powerful Mother Earth Dragon be of any assistance to you OTHER than your current predicament?"
I closed my eyes.
"What is the reason for killing me so suddenly after bonding, befriending, and saving you?"
She looked down, then clenched her eyes shut.
"I-It's because I don't want you to get hurt!"
"Hurt? By killing me, you're preventing me from being hurt?"
"It's strange, I know, but yes. By taking your life in that moment, I would be sparing you from the many other things that can scar you and hurt you in so many ways so deeply. It's complicated, and I've thought this over for the longest of time ever since I first saw you, but that is really how I felt when I devised this plan. I wanted to protect you by taking you out of the picture so you didn't have to suffer..."
I glanced at Akeno.
"Is this true?"
She nodded.
"I was going to tell you at the diner, but it seems you've interrogated Rias before I could say it myself."
I closed my eyes again, exhaling all the held in air I had in my lungs. I felt a great weight that was hinged on that information lift off of my heart, and I felt... better, so to speak.
"Rias..."
I opened my eyes, giving her a warm smile.
"When the time comes, I'm going to offer you my place in your peerage as your pawn, and once I join, I'll STAY in your peerage. I don't want to have to lose you all like that, and I'm sure you feel the same way about me. I know how hard it is to go back on the choices and plans you've made for me. To erase a pawn from your board for the sake of saving him from the many obstacles of life that may lie ahead."
I took another breath.
"I want you to know, that as long as I remain in your peerage, I'll do whatever I can to keep you all safe, even if it gets me hurt. I will be your servant, after all. It comes with the job."
Rias put her hands over her mouth, tears welling in her eyes. I looked down, then turned and walked to the exit.
"If you want that food I offered you, Akeno, I'll be at the diner. See you there, and hey, once I become a member of the House of Rias Gremory, I'll tell you guys all about me."
I pushed open the door, walking out into the cold snow Before I went far, I looked back at them.
"It may be too early to forgive you, or maybe not. Regardless, we'll talk things out."
"Um... Neito?"
"Yea, Rias?"
"Do you mind if... I come with you to the diner too...?"
Rias twiddled her thumbs as she blushed madly. I blinked for a few seconds, then put the pieces together.
'Wanting to protect me from hardships after saving her, the blushing, the averting of eye contact, and the desire to add me to her peerage; It all adds up.'
I chuckled.
"I don't f***in believe this."
Rias tilted her head as I laughed a bit.
"One of the Great Ladies of Kuoh, said to be the most beautiful and regal womanly student in the entire district... has a crush on the new student."
She whined cutely and looked down, her bangs covering the deep shade of red that engulfed her face. I laughed harder seeing this.
"Why didn't I see it the last couple thousands of times?!"
I settled down to a chuckle.
"You never wanted to cause harm. You only wanted to get me into your club, even by force, because you didn't want to hand me over to anyone else."
She fidgeted, staying silent and bashful. Finally, she lost it and squealed out.
"Just answer the question, already!"
I snickered and rubbed her head.
"Sure, red head. You can come too. I'll meet'cha both there, K?"
I waved to them, walking off. Before I got out of ear shot, I heard Akeno and Rias arguing with Akeno teasing her about her crush and Rias, well, just being the usual Princess of Ruin. I let out another amused chuckle before going to my favorite diner, ordering drinks for me and my two new friends for when they come. It was about 15 minutes after I walked in and I suddenly had someone talk to me from the booth next to me.
"Punish the wicked. Words to live by."
I glanced at him as he grinned.
"Yes. Wise advise to heed from a holy man."
He turned to me with a crazed grin. I narrowed my eyes as he chuckled sadistically.
"Well, well. You just walked in at the wrong time, friend. Freed Sellzen, at your service, and you must be the scared pansy boy who's associated himself with Devils."
"What about it?"
"That means this Priest is gonna exorcise your a**."
"Priest?"
"Yup. I work for a certain Devil purging organization you may have heard of."
"The Fallen Angels, I take it?"
"Precisely. Associating with Devils is proof that you're done being human. End of the line, sinner."
"Trust me, I gave up being human a long time ago, pal."
"Regardless, putting down degenerate Devils and the lost souls that would cry out to them is my job, and no one is better at it than me."
He reached into his shirt pockets, drawing out a hilt and a gun. Light formed around the opening of the hilt.
"A Sword of Light, eh? Must be a handy and trusty weapon, huh?"
"Oh, you bet my friend. First, I'm going to cut out your evil heart with my heavenly Blade of Light, then with my righteous gun, I'm going to blow a hole in your wicked Devil loving face! How does THAT sound?!"
He lunged at me, stabbing his sword forward. The staff evacuated the people as we began our fight. I ducked under the sword, weaving behind him. I jumped away from a swing, and leaped back. He pointed the gun at me and fired. Before he pulled the trigger, I managed to leap over him and land on the other side of him before he noticed. Unfortunately, he got a headshot on a civilian. I paid no attention to that right now. He gawked at me when he saw me where I was. He ran right to me, swinging to the side. I ducked, then uppercutted him. I took a step back, then roundhouse kicked him. I used the booths to launch myself across the room. I landed on a table as he wiped some spit from his mouth.
"I'm impressed. I didn't think a human would be able to fight this well."
"Heh, I get a lot of practice."
"Well, let's see how you like me when I'm ACTUALLY TRYING!!!"
I instinctively ducked down when Freed suddenly appeared behind me. I made a diamond based sword and clashed with his sword of light, fighting for dominance. We pushed each other back, landing on the tables across from each other. I gripped the booth behind me and threw it at him. He swerved from the giant piece of furniture and decked me in the side of the head with the hilt of the sword. I threw his hand up, then slid under him, tripping him off the table. I widened my eyes and jumped over a high chair as it flew towards me. Seeing Freed panting, I made this an opportunity. I charged to him and shoulder tackled him. I backpedaled when he swing the sword hastily multiple times. When I found myself an opening, I kicked him in the gut. I took advantage of his daze and sent two punches across his jaw. I went for an elbow strike, but he threw me over him, making me slide across the ground. I sidestepped a bullet and glided over a sword strike before kneeing him back mid air. Once I dropped, I jumped again, drop kicking him to the ground. He pointed the gun at me and fired. This time, I couldn't react fast enough and my shin got hit, now with a hole in it. I growled in pain as he laughed.
"You put up a good fight, friend. These bullets here are blessed by an Exorcist. Hope they taste good, scumbag!"
I gritted my teeth, then threw my hand forward, ripping the floor apart and sending the sharp wood at him. They scratched him, but he dodged easily and got to me. I attempted to jump away, but he gashed my back.
"Too slow!"
"Son of a b****!"
My eyes glowed as I stood up shakily, my hands highlighted yellow.
"Oh? Is the Devil lover angry? Maybe it's time that Freed Sellzen sent you back to the abyss from whence you came!"
"Not a chance in hell, a**hat!"
I threw my hand up, gashing the arm that was holding the gun with a precipice blade. His face contorted to rage as he held his arm, then he chuckled.
"Get a guy all worked up and leave him half cocked? That's no way for a lady to treat a gentleman such as myself!"
"AAAHHH!!!!"
I widened my eyes at the voice, then remembered Asia caught me and Freed fighting before.
"What the hell? Asia? What're you doing here? Did you finish creating the barrier?"
She was looking at the guy who had a hole in his face and was leaning against the wall lifelessly.
"No... No, don't do this!"
"Right, a newbie. Well, that one was just an accident, but as for the job, this is what it is, my dear. We dispose of unfortunate people who have been bewitched by evil Devils."
Asia turned and gasped when she saw me.
"No... It can't be."
"You're right, kid. It's not."
Freed rose an eyebrow.
"What's going on? Do you two know each other?"
"Neito? What are you doing here?"
"I was here to get some grub on my way back home, but this Priest here decided to pick a fight with me."
"Only because you've associated yourself with Devils!"
Asia looked to him, then turned back to me.
"Neito? Is that true?"
I sighed.
"Yea. It's true. Trust me when I say this, kiddo. I didn't want to lie to you. I never did, but because of us being on different sides, I wanted to make sure that we never saw each other again. If you got involved with me, it could have meant trouble for you, buddy. I couldn't let that kind of hell force itself on your shoulders, Asia."
"Oh, heavens..."
"Not that this isn't heartwarming, but you and your friend here have no business being here together. The Fallen Angels have expressly forbidden all forms of contact between our kind and theirs. Have you forgotten?"
"I knew it. Fallen Angels really ARE behind all this. Asia, you, Yuuma, your various 'encounters' with me."
"Yup. It's all been planned and scheduled. Now then. Shall we get on with it? Not that it matters much, but I hope you've said your prayers!"
I held up my sword to block his strike, but I didn't need to do anything. Asia jumped in front of me, holding her arms out to shield me.
"You've got to be kidding."
"Please don't! I beg you for mercy! Forgive this man his sins, father! Couldn't we just let him go?!"
"That man has sided with the enemy. You made a pledge to defeat any form of said enemy."
"It doesn't matter who he is or what side he's on! There's goodness in his heart! I know it! You can't just kill him! How can you actually believe that the father would approve?!"
"Argh! Enough of this bullsh**!"
He slashed forward, taking off the front of her uniform. She covered herself, shrieking. I grunted as blood spilled from my leg wound, and it immobilized me for a second.
"You've lost your f***in mind! What?! Are there maggots living in that stupid head of yours?!"
He gripped her chin and pulled her gaze up to him.
"Our Fallen Angel friends said I'm not allowed to hurt you, but I don't give a d*** about that anymore! You know what happens to naughty girls, don't you?!"
He pinned her to the wall, keeping her tied there with his sword. I had to wait until the pain in my leg went away before I could act again. Adrenaline was the only reason why I was able to fight before, but now...
"Why shouldn't an upstanding Priest do what he wants with a filthy tramp like you? That's not so wrong, is it?"
"Don't hurt me!"
He yipped in surprise when a stone spire rose up between her and him. He turned to me as I slowly walked to him, my eyes glowing a bright yellow.
"Buddy, you are making a very poor life decision."
He grinned and pointed his gun at me.
"Look boy! You wanna watch this go down, you're gonna have to pay for it. Nothing's free, y'know."
"That means having this scenario go down is gonna cost YOU too."
He whistled and drew his sword.
"Seems you still got some spunk in you. Then come over here and show me what you're-"
*BANG*
I smashed my stone fist against his face, throwing him back through the booths and into the counter. I grinned as the stone dissipated.
"You OK, kid?"
Asia nodded as she sat at the wall, covering herself. I winked at her.
"Don't worry. After this, I'm getting you out."
I glared back at Freed as he stood up.
"You're still quite the tough cookie, aren't you? What do you say, Devil loving scum? Let's go for a world record of how many pieces I can chop you into!"
He lunged at me and I tried to push myself to the side. It didn't work, and instead, I fell to my knee. Freed laughed maniacally as he came down, only to be propelled back by a... purple Magic Circle? It had the infinity symbol in the center and it seemingly appeared from nowhere. Freed was just as confused as I was as he backed up. What came out of the Magic Circle made it even more confusing.