The Excommunicated Nun, Asia Argento

Human World, Japan, Kuoh.

With Asia in tow, Akeno, Tsubaki, Koneko, and Dante made their way to the high-class residential district where James, Rias, and Sona's mansions were located after the events with Freed Sellzen, the stray exorcist Asia was assigned to work with by the fallen angels. When they arrived, the group were gathered in the living room of Rias' mansion. Shortly afterward, Asia was introduced to the three peerages.

"It's nice to meet you, Miss Argento." James said with a friendly smile.

Feeling the genuine friendliness the person in front of her was exuding, Asia was confused. She was already informed that everyone she would meet tonight was somehow devil in nature. But she never expected that they could be so friendly. From her early childhood, she was taught by the church that all devils were evil incarnate.

"Umm... Good evening, it's nice to meet you as well." Asia responded nervously.

"Wow, this girl is really cute, just like Issei said." Rias said while observing the nun in front of her.

Hearing Rias' comment, the name Issei made her remember the kind boy who helped her find her way to the church in the morning. Then, she looked around at the people present and found who she was looking for. Both in surprise and shock, she walked toward the only familiar face in the room.

"Mr. Hyoudou. Are you really... a devil?" Asia asked unsurely. "How can someone as kind as you be a devil?"

Hearing that, some of the newer members to the supernatural world were stumped. Which made sense, most of the devils they had met were in this room. And all of them showed kindness, among other emotions, like any human they had ever met. Seeing the confusion, mostly on the faces of her peerage, Sona decided to speak.

"Miss Argento, I'm sure for most of your life, the church has preached that devils are evil, right?" Sona asked calmly.

"Uh, Ye... Yes." Asia answered nervously. As she did, she unconsciously moved closer to Issei.

Seeing this, Rias eyes began to shine.

'If I play my cards right, I might be able to convince her to join my peerage.' Rias thought to herself after seeing the signs of dependence Asia showed around Issei.

While Rias was planning the acquisition of a new member to her peerage, Sona continued her explanation.

"As it turns out, Devils are not so different from humans." Sona said while adjusting her glasses. "With the exception of stronger bodies and being strengthened even further at night, there are no major differences. Just like humans, there are good and bad devils among our species."

With Sona's explanation, Asia stopped for a second to think over what she had to say. After a few moments, she realized it was true. And contrary to most devout believers, Asia already had the belief that there was good in everyone, even if it was hidden.

"I guess that makes sense." Asia said with a contemplative expression on her face.

"However, the reason we brought you here is mostly because we were curious." Sona said, moving the conversation forward.

"Curious? About me?" Asia asked while tilting her head cutely to the side.

"Yes, curious about why a kind and good-natured girl like you was assigned to an abandoned church that had been taken over by fallen angels." James said with a smile.

To James question, Asia hesitated to answer. Turning her head after feeling a hand land on her shoulder, when she did, she caught sight of Issei who was smiling at her.

"You don't have to worry." Issei said in a gentle tone. "Even though they're weird, they're all good people."

'You're the last person here that has any right to call anyone weird!' Everyone screamed in their heads simultaneously.

Hearing Issei's reassurance and seeing the gentle smile on his face, Asia calmed down. Then, she looked at the rest of the people in the room and began to speak.

"My earliest memories are from my time in an orphanage..." Asia said as she began her story.

As it turns out, Asia was raised in a church run orphanage during her early childhood. Raised to be a devout believer in the Biblical God, Asia found peace in her time spent praying. And things would have probably continued in that manner, until one day when she came across an injured puppy on the orphanage grounds. Heartbroken at the pain the small animal was experiencing, she prayed for its salvation. However, tothe surprise of Asia and everyone around her, a gentle green glow was emitted from her hands. Bathed in the gentle glow, the puppy's injuries began healing, visible to the naked eye.

Shortly after that event, high ranking members of the church came to bring Asia away. For the next few years, Asia was hailed as a Holy Maiden. And with the ability to heal any injuries, the title was quite fitting. Unfortunately, she was isolated due to her ability as well. "A Holy Maiden needs nothing but her love for the Lord." Those were the words she was told to justify the isolation she was forced into. And for years, that is how she lived her life.

However, one day while returning to her living space from her evening prayers, she came across an injured man. Without hesitation, Asia did all that she could to heal the injured man. After successfully healing him, he thanked her and left. However, not even an hour later, the higher ups from the church received a report that Asia had healed a devil.

'Sounds like some kinda bullshit conspiracy to me.' James thought to himself.

"[What do you mean, Partner?]" Ddraig asked curiously.

'First of all, how did the report make it to the church so quickly?' James said while stroking his chin. 'Secondly, if that guy really was a devil, how the hell did he get so close to a Holy Maiden under the church's protection?'

Unaware of James internal conversation with Ddraig, Asia continued her story.

"After the report that I healed a devil made its way to the church, I was excommunicated." Asia said sadly. "However, there was nothing I could do about it, so, I left the church. Shortly after that, I was approached by a woman who introduced herself as a fallen angel. She told me that if I followed her, I would have a purpose again."

"And then you ended up here, in Kuoh, and paired up with the nut job Koneko and Dante dealt with earlier, right?" James asked with a frown on his face.

Seeing James frowning, Asia became nervous. Everyone else in the room, however, knew that James was deep in thought. After a few moments of silence, James spoke once again.

"Dante, Lady is still surveilling the church, right?" James asked.

"Yeah, she should be." Dante replied. "As long as nothing's happened."

"Contact her and find out if the psycho priest has returned yet."

With James giving the order, Dante left to contact Lady. Noticing that something seemed to be wrong, Sona asked what was on everyone's mind.

"James, do you think there is more to this?" Sona asked while trying to figure what it was that James was thinking.

"That's right." James affirmed.

Shortly after James' reply, Dante came back into the room and confirmed that Lady was still overseeing the church. Also, that Freed had yet to return.

"Alright, Ayame." James said to no one in particular.

A moment later, Ayame appeared in front of James on one knee, startling Asia in the process.

"James-Sama, what are your orders?" Ayame asked, free of any of her perverted antics.

"I need you to infiltrate that church." James said solemnly. "Find out exactly what those fallen angels are planning. Find out who gave them the orders to set up shop in Kuoh, and find out what it is they want with Miss Argento. Don't let anyone discover you."

"Understood." Ayame said, then she vanished just as quickly as she appeared.

"How did she...?" Asia mumbled in surprise.

"Well, she's a ninja." Issei said with a wry smile. "So, she pops up and disappears like that a lot."

"A ninja?" Asia asked in surprise. Then, her eyes lit up as she continued. "Like the Stealth Core in Bleach?"

Hearing Asia's question, everyone was taken aback. Then, they all looked at James with smiles on their faces.

"Well, well, well. It looks like you have another fan, James?" Rias said in a teasing tone.

"Well, I am pretty awesome." James said with a smug smile.

"Huh? What are they talking about?" Asia asked in confusion.

"Um... the author of that Bleach manga you just mentioned..." Issei said in reply to Asia's question. Then, when she turned to look at Issei, he pointed a finger and continued. "Is James-Senpai."

It took a few seconds for Asia to process what Issei just told her. However, when she did, her eyes lit up like high powered torch lights. Then, as if her nervousness were a lie, she rushed in front of James. When she arrived, there were stacks of Bleach manga in each of her hands.

"She's just a normal human, right?" Tsubasa asked after seeing the instantaneous burst of speed Asia exhibited.

"I think so." Momo replied unsurely.

"Where did she get those manga from?" Gasper asked curiously.

"I don't know." Koneko replied while shaking her head.

Not paying attention to any of the conversations around her, Asia stared at James with a star-struck expression.

"Um... If it isn't too much trouble, could I have your autograph?" Asia asked both nervously and expectantly.

With a smile, James agreed to her request. While signing the books, James asked the question in everyone's mind.

"Hey, Asia... You don't mind if I call you that, do you?" James asked while signing the copies of Bleach. After Asia nodded to show that she did not mind, James continued with his question. "Asia, where did you get these copies from? You're not carrying a bag other than that little satchel, right?"

"Oh, umm..." Asia fidgeted nervously after hearing the question. "The truth is, I keep them strapped to my body under this habit. They are my most prized possessions, and I don't want to lose them."

Hearing the girl's response, everyone was dumbstruck. James, too, was caught off guard by that answer. However, he never stopped signing the manga in front of him. While James signed Asia's copies of bleach, however, Rias made her way next to Sona and asked a question.

"Doesn't that scene feel kind of familiar?" Rias asked in a whisper.

"Yeah, it's a lot like what happened with Yasaka in Kyoto before she showed us around the city." Sona replied while scrutinizing Asia.

"Does that mean there will be another girl looking for James' attention?" Rias asked with a pout.

"I don't know." Sona replied. "We'll have to wait and see."

While Rias and Sona discussed the possibility of Asia also falling for James, the boy in question finished signing Asia's copies of Bleach. Then, after thanking James profusely, she turned around and rushed in front of Issei.

"Look, I got them all autographed." Asia said excitedly while showing off her treasures to Issei.

Seeing that, Rias and Sona could only smile wryly.

"I guess we don't have to worry about her." The two said simultaneously.

"It's not like every girl he meets is going to fall for him." Rias said with a small smile.

"That's true." Sona agreed with a nod. "But he's so outstanding that it's always unbelievable when it doesn't happen."

Shortly after that, the group dispersed for the evening. Asia was given a room to sleep in in Rias' mansion as a form of protection. For now, all the group could do is wait for the results of Ayame's investigation. Until they heard something new, Shion would be responsible for keeping Asia safe during the day while everyone else went about their usual duties.