The Black Dragon

He Appears

Despite Kouh Academy being closed for the day Sona still sits at her desk and looks at Zato's entrance form for when he first arrived at Kouh Academy. The form is extremely bland, just listing off basic information about the student in question. Honestly, Sona was hoping to find at least one of two things from this form. Either a hint at where Zato may have gone if he left Kouh of his own accord or something that would hint toward anything about his past with the supernatural. However, she found nothing of interest, and knowing this she places the paper down on her desk and leans back in her chair.

Suddenly Sona hears a knock on her door and glances over at it. "It's open, feel free to come in," Sona says as Rias opens the door and walks into the room. "Rias what brings you here?" Sona asks as Rias notices the paper on Sona's desk.

"I was going to ask if I could take a look at Zato's entree form but I can see you beat me too it. Mind if I sit down?" Rias asks as Sona nods. Rias takes a seat before continuing the conversation. "I'm honestly surprised you're worried about Zato. Have you found anything that may help us find him?" Rias asks

Fixing her glasses Sona replies in a serious tone. "No, I've found nothing that may hint at his location. Also, don't mistake my actions, I'm worried but for the reason, you think." Sona explains as Rias gives her a confused look. "The moment he learns that Kokabiel is in the area he disappears without a trace," Sona tells Rias as her gaze sharpens. "I believe there are three possible reasons for this. One, Zato has run away knowing he's no match for him, two Zato was secretly a spy for Kokabiel and now he has returned to his master ti relay any important information he has, or word of your rating game reached Kokabiel and he captured Zato so he wouldn't stand in the way of his plan." Sona explains as Rias looks down at the ground.

Sure Sona is speaking the truth. The time of Kokabeil arrival being revealed and Zato's disappearance line up perfectly. However, what Zato said to her after the Rating game and the look in his eyes fill Rias' mind.

"Words are nothing but empty promises if we ever do fight side by side again then show me how strong you've, become," 

That sentence rings within Rias' head and she smirks. She remembers seeing something in Zato's eyes as he glanced back at her, after saying that. If she had to put it into words she saw something akin to a spark that jumped from Zato's eyes and lit something within her. Something that made her want to get better so when they once again fought side by side Rias could stand on equal ground with him.

"I can't blame you for thinking that, but I do believe you're wrong. I can't prove it but this feeling is all the proof I need to prove it to my self." Rias states as she stands. "I know that when Zato returns he won't be our enemy," Rias says with a smile as she begins to walk toward the door. As she grips the door nod Sona speaks again.

"You're magic is low for the moment but I can sense it boiling within you. Just how much stronger have you grown these past two days Rias?" Sona asks as Rias looks over her shoulder with a sad smile.

"Don't fool yourself Sona. I haven't improved in the slightest." Rias says as she leaves the room. As the princes of destruction walk down the hall of Kouh, she looks down at the floor and thinks about what she just said. It wasn't a lie, despite her best efforts, hours of tireless training, and her determination to improve she's still at the same level that she was at during the rating game. She's no fool and she knows that true results take far longer than two days to show but she expected to improve at least a little, but no. She hasn't improved, not even in the slightest.

As Rias leaves the school she looks up at the sky and thinks about the rest of her peerage. Akeno has been teaching Asia about magic order to help her improve, Koneko has locked herself within her room, and from what Rias could hear the few times she went to check on her she could hear her rook training without rest, and while she still doesn't know where Kiba is she just knew that somehow he's growing stronger. Balling her fist Rias girts her teeth and speaks with determination. "I won't be left behind, I'm going to become stronger as well," Rias says with a smirk.

The day goes on until the day turns to night and Felix sits within his house wondering what to do. "I'm so bored!" Felix shouts into the emptiness of his house. "I think the dead are less bord then I am. Man do I miss watching TV and playing Video games." Felix complains as he glances over at his phone. "Zen said she still doesn't know where Zato is and neither she nor Hinata can get in contact with Ryoji." Felix sighs as he glances over at the door to his house and stands up.

Felix could sense two familiar presences just behind his door, but something was wrong. The presence that belongs to Irina is different from before. Weaker and jumping off her body, calling for help. These worrying thoughts are amplified when Xenovia begins pounding on the door in a rapid and frantic nature.

Rushing to the door, Felix opens only to see Xenovia holding Irina in her arms bridal style. However, Irina is covered in cuts and bruises and is currently unconscious. "What on Earth happened to her!?" Felix shouts as he rushes Xenovia and Irina inside.

About a mile away Rias runs down the street on the phone with Akeno. "I sensed it too," Rias says as her wings sprout from her back and she takes flight. "He's here and for whatever reason, he's just waiting for us at Kouh Academy," Rias explains a bead of sweat runs down her face. We'll meet up with Sona outside of the school and come up with a plan." Rias says as she hangs up and a single thought runs through her mind. "So, Kokabeal is finally showing himself." With a gulp, Rias says something that sends a shiver down her spine. "This might be our final battle."