Haru stared ahead with a blank stare. There was so much wrong with this situation that he really had no idea what exactly was wrong. Was it the fact that he had somehow become so used to this crap that all he could do was react with initial shock, then treat it like it was just another day in the life of this hectic world? Was it the fact that an honest-to-god Tengu had just nabbed him in the middle of grocery shopping? Or was it the fact that he was currently dangling in the air? Several hundred feet in the air where he was dangerously likely to become bloody paste if he hit the pavement?
Seriously… Haru thought with a whimper. Not out of fear of his situation, but at the sheer absurdity that he had come to accept this sort of thing. How the heck did this even happen...?
Two Weeks Before Haru's Kidnapping...
Haru and Aika stared, dumbfounded and gobsmacked. Both had their jaws figuratively kissing the floor while their eyes threatened to bulge out of their sockets. There, standing before them, was a very healthy looking corpse that was currently wearing the Kuoh Academy uniform, complete with the red skirt and black cape around her shoulders. She looked the complete and total picture of adorable.
"Eh? Eh?! EH?! A-Asia-chan?!" Aika gawked. "Is-is that you?!"
"Y-Yes!" Asia bowed her head, all the while shifting back and forth on the balls of her feet and rubbing her hands nervously. "Um, h-how do I look?"
"Great!" Haru shouted. "B-but why are you wearing our school uniform? A-and how did you get better?!"
Sona smiled slightly as she adjusted her glasses. "To answer those questions in order, she is wearing the uniform because, as of today, she is a new first-year student here at Kuoh Private Academy. And secondly, she is better because she is now a member of Rias' peerage."
"HUH?!"
Rias giggled into her hand. "It was by her own request." she explained to the two. "In truth, I was quite surprised considering how hesitant she was by the idea. Still, though!" Her cheeks puffed up as she shot a glare at her friend. "Why did you allow Asia to enroll, but not my cute little Pawn?"
"Because Lint Sellzan is not a teenager, for starters." Sona replied coolly. "And she has no personal experience as a teacher, therefore she has nothing that can help contribute to the skill. She even said as much."
"But she would look so cute in a uniform!"
"Oh, for Satan's sake..."
Haru stared as the two bickered. The difference was truly like night and day. Still, he was rather happy to hear that one of the people responsible for damn near burning down his house and killing him wouldn't be showing her face in school. Granted, chances were he'd still see her, but at least it wouldn't be nearly every day. He returned his focus to Asia, whose face looked more angelic than it had the first time they met.
"Um, I'm very sorry for worrying you two." the gentle girl apologized, bowing her head deeply. He took notice of the fact that she was now speaking in Japanese. Incredibly fluent Japanese at that, as if she had been speaking it all her life. "A-And I'm very sorry for lying to you two about my health. S-So, um..."
"Who cares about that?" Aika grinned. "Since you're a Devil now, that means you're one of those sinful nuns, right~?"
Haru choked and gaped at Aika. "O-Oi, Aika! The hell?! That's way too early!"
"Oh, come on. You know you wanna see her seducing you in that cute nun uniform of hers!" Okay, that seemed like a very beautiful sight indeed, but really Aika had very poor timing. Strangely, Asia didn't look as offended or hurt as he thought she would.
"It's fine. My heart still belongs to the Lord—owch!"
The two blinked as Asia suddenly let out a cry of pain, holding her head. "H-Hey, what's wrong?"
"Just what happens we Devils think about anything relating to the biblical god." Sona explained. "Saying his name is enough to give Devils a headache. So is reading the Bible."
Asia's eyes began to tear up. "T-Then, I can't read the Bible every night?! Or-or say prayers?!"
"You could try, but I would advise against it. You would be enduring the mother of all headaches." Rias told her. Asia sagged and fell into the fetal position, a dark cloud hanging over her. Aika had gone over to console the poor girl, rubbing her back and offering to help soothe her by way of fulfilling their promise of a shopping trip around the city. Meanwhile, the voluptuous redhead looked at Haru. "By the way, Namikaze-kun, are you free at the moment?"
The younger redhead cocked his head to the side. "Uh, sure. Why?"
"Lint wishes to apologize to you. In person, preferably."
Haru's face crunched into distaste. "Do I have to?"
"Namikaze-kun." Sona said seriously. "While I understand that Lint Sellzan is one of the contributing factors behind recent events, she no longer has any affiliation with the church, much less the Fallen. You do not have to like her, but at the very least, you should honor her request."
"If I have to..."
He really didn't want to. After that traumatic experience, he'd be fine if he didn't see Lint Sellzan and her brother ever again. While they said she was apologetic, he just couldn't trust it. How could he? She nearly killed him. He was still sour that the woman got off scott-free and was now apparently working for Rias with no strings attached.
Still, based on what little he remembered about their meetings, she was much more tolerable than Freed was, so he could at least give her that.
Haru sighed. "Let's get this over with..."
Meanwhile, back at the Namikaze household, Haru's new Servant took the time to adjust to her new surroundings. Jeanne had been given a small tour by Tamamo, as well as a few ground rules. While she had come to accept her into the household, the vixen still had her reservations and kept a watchful eye. She didn't mind it, honestly, as she instead chose to continue. The home was a change of pace than what she was normally used to, from what little memories she had of her previous summons.
That being said, she did have to question how in the world Primate Murder was present. She was torn between being worried that it would be out on a killing spree or cuddling with the cute critter before she ultimately settled on the tour.
"For the record, the only reason I'm even considering letting you stay here is because my darling Haru is allowing it." Tamamo warned her once they finished the tour. She had mustered the coldest, hardest glare she could while putting her hands to her hips, tails fluffed up. "Try anything, and I'll send you straight to the sun!"
Jeanne giggled. "You know, you would be quite a bit more threatening if your tails weren't fluffed up. And as I said earlier, I was not called here, nor am I romantically interested in him." Tamamo didn't look the least bit convinced, making her sigh. "Though I suppose only my actions will prove that to you. I must ask, though, how long have you been here in this world?"
"Almost a month. Husband summoned me during his time of need." Tamamo paused and developed a thoughtful look. "I wonder what's become of that bitch Raynare? Now that I think about it, I wonder what's become of her since that dusty crow took her back." Jeanne raised a brow in confusion, but Tamamo waved it off. "It's nothing. At any rate, there's a guest room so feel free to use it."
"Thank you, but where will you sleep?"
Tamamo looked puzzled. "What are you talking about? I sleep in the same room as my husband!"
"O-Oh. I see." Her cheeks flushed red. She supposed it was common for married couples to do that. She just hoped they weren't up to any illicit activities. The walls seemed to be terribly thin.
Speaking of homes, though, she wondered what would become of Asia.
Shortly after she had returned after consoling the girl and giving her courage, and also clearing up the confusion between her and Namikaze Haru's relationship, she discussed Asia's situation with the two of them. She had been thrown aside by the church simply because she was a kind soul offering aid to an enemy of the Church, and was brought here because a group of Fallen Angels wanted her Sacred Gear. The church was also in a state of ruin when she saw it after being summoned by Haru, and the living quarters were a complete mess. It would take months before it could be even remotely considered to be hospitable.
Rias Gremory, based on what she knew, was offering her a chance to become a Devil, but what about her living conditions? A new chance at life would let her make new friends, but wouldn't it better for her to be in the care of someone she trusted or knew? Granted, there was still a lot Jeanne needed to learn about the world, but she wondered if it would be possible for Haru to take her into his care.
Of course, she needed to properly consult him about this matter first. It was his house after all, and thus his decision. Still, she had a inkling feeling that he might agree with her proposal. He seemed like a good person. Well, eccentric personality aside.
Tamamo opened her mouth to say something, perhaps to reminder her of something for the hundredth time when the two heard a couple sharp knocks rap at the front door. "Are you expecting someone?"
"No, not that I know of." Tamamo shook her head. The two made their way downstairs. When Tamamo approached the front door and peered through the hole, her lips twisted into a grimace. "Oh, why in the name of the gods is he here?"
"Who?"
Tamamo ignored her question as she mentally debated on the best course of action. Eventually, she let out a tired sigh as her shoulders sagged. With great reluctance, she unlocked the door and pulled it open. Standing on the front porch was a man with yellow-and-black hair with a goatee and wearing a dark yukata. Oddly, Jeanne found herself staring in slight captivation, feeling what could only be described as a warmth, albeit tainted.
"Yo, Tamamochi~"
"You have ten seconds to explain why you're here, or so help me Izanagi-sama, I will roast you." Tamamo growled.
The man held up his hands. "Whoa, hold your fire! I come in peace!"
"That's seven seconds now. Make it snappy." Tamamo glowered. In her hands was a talisman primed and ready for use.
"Okay, okay! I'm here regarding that incident with my subordinates." Azazel quickly responded, hoping it was enough to stop her from roasting him literally. "Your husband called me and said he reached a decision."
The fox woman blinked. "Haru did? He never told me."
"He made the call during school, I think." he shrugged. "So, can I come in and have some Shinto hospitality?"
"Um, beg your pardon, but..." Jeanne raised a hand. "Who are you exactly, sir?"
"Oh? A new face? And who might you be?"
"Jeanne, sir. Jeanne d'Arc."
Azazel blinked. Once, twice. "... Just to clarify, your name really is Jeanne? As in, the Jeanne d'Arc? Holy Maiden fr Orleans and all that?" Jeanne nodded. He stared a bit longer before he took out a phone and held it up. A flash of light made her wince and blink rapidly. "Two things. First, congrats for coming back from the dead. I'm sure the Vatican is gonna have a goddamn field day with this. And secondly, you should expect a visit from Gabriel sometime in the near future. She's a big fan of yours."
"W-what?"
"If you are done..." Tamamo growled. "Hurry up and get inside. As soon as husband comes home and you two discuss what happens with the crows, you get the hell out of this house. Capiche?"
"Sheesh, calm your tits. Don't worry, if the kid is gonna discuss what I think he wants to, I won't be here long."