Chapter 3: Home

He was lifting a barbell while watching Tv, and his tight arm retracted and pulled the bar toward him.

"Why would I?" The man on the Tv states. "What makes you think we can?"

"We can pull our schedule together." The women state on Tv, grasping Man's hand. "We can bond while on patrols."

"No! I want to see the real you."

"That is the real me!"

"Kristina. We are busy. Being together could endanger us if the enemy figures out who we are."

"That won't happen."

"Ok. Dude. Get with her. What are you running from?" K said to himself, watching the scene play out.

After finishing his curls, he stood on the side of the couch, lifting the edge off the floor and across his chest.

"Surprise!" A voice startled K.

The couch bullets through their wall before flying onto the streets; a car alarm fills their ears.

The two rushed to the hole in the wall.

The couch sat on the roof of someone's car while an Homelessperson looked up at the two shook.

"Danny! What the fuck?!"

"The hell? What the hell you do?!"

"I don't know! You the one that startled me!"

"Today's your birthday! What did you think? A nice back rub?!"

"Sorry." They both said down the hole. Danny only glared at him.

The car alarm blared and quickly turned off.

K rises from his bed with a sigh.

He stood from his bed, rolling his arms.

K quickly did his push-ups, sit-ups, and squats in record time.

He threw on his Sea-blue tracksuit with white trims.

K exits the house with a prance in his steps. He threw on his earphones, starting his run.

Jogging through the neighborhood, he passes a few joggers.

Jogging down the sidewalk, cars hums by while people chirped.

Help Wanted.

K jogs past the word before thoroughly reading it.

'The money Akihito left us could be gone at any moment.'

He looks up at the sign above the window.

Hiroshi Talor's Shop.

'Let's see what they're offering.'

K enters the place with a bell chime.

"Uh. Sorry. I can't take you." A voice coming behind the glass counter states. "I have deliveries. And I might be back in about thirty or forty minutes."

"Uh. I saw the sign outside, and it said you needed help."

A bald mid-age man with glasses raises from behind the counter, squinting his eyes at the boy.

"That depends. Can you deliver?"

"Uh. I'm always up for new experiences."

The man sat down a clothing bag across the counter.

"If you can deliver this below ten. I'll take you in. Do you have a car?"

"I run."

"Uh. Alright. The offer still stands." K reads the address on the bag. "And it starts now."

K walks out with the doorbell chiming.

"That kid." He sighs.

The man, or Hiroshi, is currently sowing a rip off someone's jacket.

The bell chimes, seeing the Kid once more. Hiroshi stops the timer on his phone before going wide-eyed.

'Three minutes!'

"How did I do?" K tilts his head.

Hiroshi remained silent before walking through the curtains and heading to the back of the store.

K sweats.

'Did I do that bad?' The boy turns to leave.

"Hey. Where are you going? You don't want the job?" Hiroshi places the custom Backpack holding several clothing bags on the counter.

"Oh. Uh. Yeah. I do."

"Ok. You start today."

...

K's walking in the neighborhood, looking down at his phone.

H: I usually deliver on the weekend, but you can come by either of the days. It's about seven dollars a bag in US dollars, but depending on the client, maybe more, and remember tip. You continue to impress me. I'll see what I can do. Any questions?

K: No. I understand.

H: Good. Please notify me when you're coming. I'll prepare the deliveries beforehand.

"Hey. Neighbor." A voice pulls him to a mid-age man cutting his grass. He stood in the Miko's house.

'Weird seeing her house change so much.'

K waved, entering his house.

"I'm home." K threw off his shoes by the door.

"Your run like always?" Miko's voice came from the living room. "It was a little longer. Are you ok?"

"Well. Yeah, but I got a part-time job as a deliveryman from a tailor."

"I don't want you working."

"I don't want to use Akihito's Money. It doesn't feel right." He walks into the living room. "What's this?"

Miko is sitting on the couch with a box filled with letters.

"For you."

"Me? You know what it is?"

"It's for you to find out."

K grabs him a carton of water before placing the box of letters on the floor. He took his seat at the sitting table in front of the Tv.

The boy took a letter before opening it. Miko's head hovers over his shoulder.

Hello, Hit! It's me, Kara. The guy you helped deliver milk when my truck burnt out. What you did helped me out. And I thank you. Take this for your trouble.

K pulls out 26252.08 yen, consisting of a hundred in eighty dollars.

"They know where we lived?!"

"We should move." Miko voiced in his ear.

"No. I'm not going anywhere. Do you know who delivered this?"

"Some petite girl. She says she knows you from some club."

The door rings.

"Stay here."

K opens the door. He looks around their front yard.

"Meow." A black cat sat at their doorstep.

"The hell?" K said to himself while the cat brushed itself against his leg.

"K, what is it?" Miko questioned.

"A cat."

The cat wandered inside while K closed the door shut.

"Ah!" The cat hops on the couch beside Miko. "It looks house-trained."

"You can leave. I'll send you the money for the hotel you can stay in."

"I'm not leaving without you. And don't ask me to." The cat purrs. "Is that right, Yuri?"

"Yuri?"

"I know it's my last name, but it fits. It's a girl. Now are you going to read more?"

"Ha. Yeah. I'm not going to question it." K took his seat. "Ok. Dear Hit. Or more like shit. How come you are doing more damage than good? You destroy my house, for Christ's sake! You better be glad the government paid for the damages or the love of God. I will come down there and." K set the letter on the table. "It continued with them threatening and cursing me using words I never thought of."

The boy sighs once more.

"We're going to be here all day."

...

K sighs in his track pants with a T-shirt, reading another hate letter as he shreds it in a shredder beside him.

'Why do some hate me for what I do? I minimize the damage I cause. What does Rias mean by sending me this?'

"Can you tell me what I did wrong, Yuri?"

K looks over his shoulder to Yuri sitting on the couch. Her yellow feline eyes land on K's.

"Meow?"

"Yeah. Why did I ask you? You don't understand me."

K looks at the Tv presenting a cooking show. He leans across the sitting table, grabbing the remote.

Yuri purrs. K looks over his shoulder at her, looking at the tv.

The boy sat back down before changing the channel to a cartoon show.

K's phone rings.

(066) 374 9325

Calling...

"Hello?"

"Hello? Mr. Kae? It's Asia."

"Oh. Asia. Please, no, Mr. We're both the same age."

"Right! Sorry. Uhm, would you like to go out today?"

"Uh." K looks at the nearly done box of letters. "Yeah. I'm down for that."

"Right. Uh. Rosa's garden by the bridge?"

"Sure. I'll meet you then."

"You too."

He hangs up.

Yuri climbs on K's chest and touches his nose with her paw.

"Ha. Ha. What is it, Yuri?" Yuri walks toward a window and stares back at him. K opens the window as she climbs out. "Come back before dark. I'll leave my room window open." He watches her run in the distance.

...

K walked down the sidewalk, wearing his white hoodie, eyeing the bridge leading to the other side of town, where he takes to go to school.

He eyed the sidewalk once more, seeing a Familiar nun.

"Asia?"

Her green eyes met his.

"K."

"Hey, I'm surprised you beat me here."

"I was around the neighborhood. May we?"

K looks at the sign.

Rosa's Garden.

"Sure." K held the door, causing it to chime. He follows Asia's pace.

"Welcome!" A red hair woman in a green apron state with a smile. "Oh? You know each other?"

"Uh, we met." K asnwered.

"Is that so?" Rosa leans into Asia.

"He's a good one." She blushed, as did K. "So, what are you love birds looking for? Anything particular?"

"No." Asia clears her throat. "We're just looking around."

"Sure. Take your time." Rosa winks before taking her leave.

"I would like to see what you planted." Asia looks away.

"Sure." K scratches his cheek. "Well. I planted a few Marigolds and Zinnias. They are lined in front of our pouch if you can tell. I wanted to spread more plants to our fence on both sides. What could I add?"

"Well. I like Morning Glories, but instead, you distance them from other plants, their self-sowing. Lupines and Nastruium are also great."

He planted the plants in their tray.

"Anything advance?"

"Dahlia Bulbs-Labrinth, they're my second favorite from Morning Glories."

They head to Rosa.

"I would like some soil bags, flowers, and seeds related to them. I can carry two."

"Really? There'll be heavy. We can get it delivered."

"No need to worry. Asia." Rosa said their cost while K pays for it. "He's a strong boy."

The two soil bags sat beside the purchased items. The buff blonde hair man smirked.

"Hey. K."

"Hey. Dakota." K replied, looking to Asia. "Can you carry it?"

"Sure." Asia carried the tray and bag.

"I never knew you were in it with Asia." Dakota's smirk grew wider. "When will the wedding be?"

"Stop." Rosa hits Dakota's arm. "You're making them blush."

"Ok. We gotta go." K states, heading for the door, followed by Asia.

"Hey! When you do. I'll like to be your best man. Without us, this match wouldn't work."

"Yeah. Yeah."

...

K wore jeans and a t-shirt in his garden, while Asia wore an apron with jeans and a white funnel shirt.

"So. K. What makes you like gardening so much?"

"The thing is, I didn't until my Grandpa. Akihito. He's not related to me, but it feels right."

"You don't have one?"

"I never met him. Until now." K sighs. "I was living on the streets until he took me in. I learned about Japanese and how the currency works around here. From him and Miko, They feel like my Grandpa and Aunt if you ask me."

"What happened? Why were you out there?"

K paused.

"Let's just say I was in the wrong place at the wrong time." He clears his throat. "So. About the other day. I don't know what I said, but I'm sorry."

Asia paused.

"No. Don't be." She smiled. "My mother abandoned me as an infant at a church. I was raised there and during my childhood. I'm given a gift from God. I healed an abandoned puppy and many people until, in their words. I recovered a sinner. They called me mean terms and a monster. I didn't know where to go. But I didn't regret healing him. Maybe this was a test from God?"

'I must protect her.'

K grew a smile.

"Asia, you're a good person. And don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

"Meow." K looks over his shoulder to Yuri, brushing against him.

"Hey. Girl. You hungry?" K stands to his feet, patting his hands. "Let's take a break. Come on."

K pulled Asia up and headed inside.

"What do you like? Shoes off."

" Oh, ok. Water is fine." Asia states while K washes his hands.

"You sure? I don't mind." He sets a plate of milk for Yuri. "I'm thinking pot roast with rice."

Asia's stomach growled. She covered her face with her hands.

"Uh. Asia, your hands."

She pulled it away, leaving hand prints on her face.

K laughs.

"D-don't laugh at me." She bits her lip.

K laughs harder.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry. I can't help it. Haa."

His smile drops.

"K?"

K put up a finger listening to the quiet kitchen.

He jolts, snatching Yuri and Asia before leaping through the window, shielding them.

The house explodes while K's back grinds against his backyard.

K slowed to a stop. He was eyeing the planks and debris raining down on them. He kept them shielded in his arms after it stopped.

K stood to his feet. He saw his house as a pile of debris.

"K?" Asia shivered behind him.

A figure crashed into their backyard, standing before them.

A silhouette of a young man with visible big, round eyes, His mouth is a gape with some teeth missing.

"We have heard of your work. Hit." His seaweed hair stretched across the backyard, frightening Asia. "We challenged you."

K hands Yuri to Asia before turning to his opponent.

"We are Kombo In-" K appears in front of Kombo.

He releases an uppercut. The air burst like a drum.

Kombo remained standing without his head. His arms moved about before walking past K. Hitting the dirt.

K screams from his lungs, his fist still in the air.

Asia remained shaking. She took a step.

K snapped his head back at her. His definition shows his bloodshot eyes and his clenched teeth.

Asia recoiled before taking a step. Yuri jumps out of Asia's arms with a cry. Asia continued forward while K turned his back to her and looked at the house.

She stayed behind him brushing her hand against his back.

"You can stay at the church until you find a place."

"That. Place." K said with venom in his voice. "Is my home."

"I know. We should go somewhere where it's safe."

"My Phone. I don't have it to call Miko."

"There are a few telephone booths. We can try. It's in my bag. That's in your house." Asia remained quiet.

'Rias.'

"Get on." K squats while his arms hang. " I think I know who's responsible." Asia climbed his back before he leaps. "Ah!"

He leaps across a few houses, their clothes flatter before K leaps again.

"Those injuries." She closes her eyes. "They're not normal."

"I'm sorry for lying to you."

"I knew, but I wished you were honest."

K lands outside the neighborhood running by a honking car.

He builds his speed.

"Hold on."

K took greater heights, falling over the bridge, eyeing the school.

"Brace. Yourself." K states, feeling Asia's grip tightened.

K push off the ground, falling towards the school.

He lands in the field in front of the ORC House.

K heads inside and drops Asia by the front door.

"Stay here."

K leaps to the second floor.

He pushes the double door breaking them from their hinges. The door smacks against their carpet.

"K, that's enough." Kiba stood before K, his hand on his blade.

"Move."

"Not until you calm down."

"MY FUCKING HOUSE IS GONE!!!"

He eyed Rias sitting on her desk.

K pace, Kiba, Koneko, and Akeno held him back only to slide across the carpet by the unmovable object.

"Tell me one reason why I shouldn't take this place for myself. RIAS!!"

Rias flinch.

"I don't know what you mean."

"You don't know what I mean? Tell me this! WHY! IN! THE! HELL! Koneko came to MY HOUSE! With a box of fan mail?!"

"I didn't go to your house!" Koneko answered while K gazed down at her with darkness casting around his crazy eyes.

"You didn't it? Why let me call Miko? I'm sure she can understand. Wait. MY PHONE IS GONE WITH IT!!!"

"I can get fix it in a day." Rias steps in. "The day is all I ask. I'll pay for the room. All I ask is we speak diplomatically."

'Big words make me mad.'

K brushes his face with his hands, his breath shaking.

He inhales sharply before giving a smile.

"Let go. I'm fine." The three lock eyes with him. "I'm fine. Well. Let me start. Koneko came to my house, told by Miko to pass a box filled with Fanmail. A cat came after. Hours later. BOOM! Gone, and what came after that? A monster! Shocker. I was hoping for more to come by to fill a FUCKING APPOINTMENT!! Rias."

"I didn't send Koneko. She has been here all day. She was sleeping on that couch. And everyone apart from any underworld or supernatural knows you, but only your Hero name. Ms.Yuri has been untouched."

"You're telling me someone led that thing there? Or it followed me? I don't believe in the second one because I live in New York. Others may think of it as sunshine and rainbows, but it was HELL for me.

"It's a theory, but I like to ask a question."

"Yeah. That is?"

"Issa says you left her too dead only to help a Fallen Angel that goes by the name Raynare. She got into her head, and she's on my list. Is that true?"

"Back to the new york part. This little cutie over here." K brushes his hand on Koneko's hair. "Was hiding behind a few trees while I tried to defuse the situation. She should try harder next time. Wearing all white makes you stick out like a sore thumb."

"Besides, do you have their location?" K tilts his head, putting his hands behind his back while he rocks on his heels.

"No."

"You're welcome."

"You feel better?"

"Peachy. I don't want to be that guy, and never again." K breathes out, losing his crazy eyes. "I'm sorry. For taking my anger out on you."

"It's fine."

"RIAS!" Issa's voice booms from the hallway. "They got Asia!"

---

"Kid. I watched your tone while I was you." K is playing a video game on a gamer chair, surrounded by Money and Boxes of girl scout cookies. "Yeah? How about I come over there-wait? Hold that thought. Ah! Christ, you're good."

Two supermodels crawl from under K's desk.

"Can we go home now?"

"Why? I'm paying you money, girl scout cookies, and my protection. What's better than that?"

Danny opens the door to K's room.

"Is that presidential rug?"

"He said he got it from Ebay."

"Ms., I like a word with my friend."

"We like to continue with our womanly duties." The two Supermodels crawl back under his desk.

"Wow. You two learn fast." K comments.

"K." Danny voiced.

"Agh! One of you take control."

K walks past Danny while he closes the door shut.

"Yes? Your heiress?"

"Dude. You gotta stop this."

"Whatever do you mean?"

"You were suitable for a while until you started doing THIS! You said you want to be like Saitama or need to! Your words."

"I was helping the public, of course. But nothing came. All but empty words like 'Thank you. You save my son. I want to vote for you for president. I want to suck your dick for saving my family.'"

"K."

"I prevent nine-eleven. I wouldn't say the same for passengers. I wanted to be Superman but became Gordan Ramasy's top chef. I cut that shit like it's a wonder beard."

"Stop."

"You were there for me. And I cried like a baby."

"STOP! STOP! STOP! You can't joke about them! Or anyone on that day!"

"Chill. I got a candy bar. It's just in my room."

"Do you ever listen to me?! I am supposed to look after you, not let you become a terrorist!"

"Buddy. You cross the line." K stands up in Danny's face. "I'm no terrorist."

"Oh? The money, rug, The girls, the cookies?"

"Those cookies are what save humanity."

"I told you to stop, but you didn't. You died. And I don't want it to happen again."

"Fair point." K pushes Danny.

"Don't touch me."

"Oh? Like this?"

"Dude!"

"You want to be supportive?" He pushes once more. "You want to be a friend. You put me on Suicide Watch!"

Danny flies across the living room, landing on the couch that grinds to a halt.

K planted his feet between Danny's legs before looking down at him. He leans in.

"You made my mom cry, and I don't take that lightly. Let me explain what will happen. We live together like besties. Put on a show for those idiots. I'll bring over whoever I want, and you, if you feel lucky. And I'll do whatever the FUCK I WANT!! Do we understand each other? DANNY!"

"Yeah! Yeah."

"Good." He stands up, clapping his hands. "I'm starving. What do you want?"

"I'm good."

"You sure? Ladies?!" The supermodels opened his door. "I'm going out. What do you want?"

"Pizza." One of the supermodels states.

"Nicole. Pizza? We had that for the third time this week. Are you telling me nothing, or is it for your special turtle friends in the sewers?"

"Chinese?" The other cocks her head.

"Now. That's a choice I can agree with. That's why your my favorite Samus."

"My name is Nora."

"Not in my book." K throws on his coat and his shoes. "I'm paying for it, by the way, Danny. Terrorists. They're not even people." The boy said the last part to himself before closing the door behind him.

---

A red circle appears in the woods, revealing Rias circle.

K and the others appeared.

"You sure, You're not cold?" Akeno asked while she and Koneko's eyes stayed locked on his t-shirt.

"I'm good." K looks around.

"Rias. How is this going to go?" Kiba questioned.

"Thinking of-K?" Rias sees K walking down the dirt path.

"Go around. I might have company." K walks through the woods.

"We can always go through the windows?" Issa suggests.

K continued down the path before eyeing the church.

"Turn back." A gruff voice calls out. K looks over his shoulder to See a man in a trench coat with black bird wings.

"Asia is in that church. Where is she?" K questioned.

"Oh. You look like you got hair on your chest." Mittelt appears with Kalawaner hovered by the trench coat man. "Nevermind, you don't."

"I'm giving you a chance to walk away."

"Your walk should be hell. Human." Kalawarner looks down on him.

K sighs.

"I'm going to tell you what I will do." He points. "I'll kill that guy. And take you two as maids, but you." K indicates to Kalawarner, who only deepens her glare. "You'll be tough to crack, but I'll keep my eye on you."

"You talk big. For someone with no balls!" Mittelts hurl a light spear after saying the last word with a shout. The spear comes to K, only for him to grab it inches from his eye.

"Huh? I wonder-" The spear explodes. Mittelt frightened gaze turned into a grin. "Nope. Just like Raynares."

The dust clears, revealing K in his tattered t-shirt. He rips it off.

"Mittelt! Focus!" The tench guy shouts, throwing a spear.

"You focus!" Mittelt throws hers.

K dodges the spears sliding on his feet around the path.

"I'm giving you another chance." K voiced.

"Ah!" Kalawarner charges K with a light spear in hand.

She stabs, swipes, and whirls up her spear. K dodges each one before she stabs once more.

He spins, grabbing her wrist before karate chopping her neck. She fell limp while K gently sat her on the ground.

'With power and anime. Anything possible.'

"I wasn't expecting her to go down first, but you can still give up."

"You cocky bastard!" Mittelt shouts.

"Come at me all at once. I need to go to church."

They do so.

Mittelt swipes and stabs and K knocks her out.

"Ah!" The trench man follows through with his attacks. He does the same as Kalawarner, only for his spear to grind against the ground before throwing crumbles of rock into K's eyes.

"Ah! Fuck!" K instantly punches the trench man into black feathers. "Ah. I was hoping that I tank that." The boy picks at his eye. "Fuck me!"

...

Rias and the others crashed through the windows of the church.

"You think you can handle them alone, you three?" Rias stands to her feet, looking at Koneko.

"We'll rock them, Rias." Koneko heads to the podium.

"Yeah! What Koneko said!" Issa hypes them up while Koneko hurls the podium aside, revealing the secret passage.

Issa runs in first, followed by Kiba and Koneko.

"So. Would you like to spill how you know Asia?" Kiba questioned, running along side Issa.

"All I can say is she doesn't deserve this."

"Well. I'm behind you."

"Let's. Give those fallen hell." Koneko states, seeing the end of the hall.

They stop seeing a crowd of priests staring up at a sacrificial pyramid.

At defense stances, Issa, Kiba, and Koneko starred at Raynare. Asia, chained to the cross, stared up a three.

"Raynare!" Issa shouts, gaining her ex's attention.

"Well, Issa, it's fancy to meet you here."

"Yeah! I'm here to pick up a check. And grab dessert."

"Please. The only thing you can afford is a kid's meal."

"Asia! We're on our way!"

"Kill them." Raynare stretches her hands toward Asia. Her hands glow, causing Asia to scream.

They race downstairs while the priests follow them up.

"We can take them! Go. Get her." Kiba ordered while Koneko grabbed Issa's shirt before hurling her over the stairs and at the pyramid.

Issa made a rough landing toward the bottom of the pyramid, but she progressed.

Asia cries filled Issa's ears.

"Boost!" Issa, sacred, gear announces.

'I felt like I didn't make it.'

"Boost!"

'I can make it!'

"Boost!"

'I WILL MAKE IT!"

"BOOST!!"

She made it to the top.

Issa sprints at Raynare, only for her to dodge her tackle.

Issa stumbled on top of Asia before rushing her ex once more.

Raynare summon a light spear with one hand. The Fallen swats at Issa, that ducks before closing the distance. She threw a jab to her gut before giving her a hook.

Raynare stumbles before continuing with the ritual Issa follows.

"Pest!" Raynare cussed multi-tasking Issa and Asia.

Raynare swings her light spear delivering several attacks. Issa bobs and weaves. Raynare spins on her feet, cutting Issa's cheek.

Raynare spins on her feet while Issa spins on hers, ducking under her swipe before delivering a nasty blow to Raynare back skull.

She hits the ground before turning to Issa rocking her torso.

"What's the matter? Can't you handle me?" Raynare crawls back. "I should thank Hit. I always wanted to protect myself."

Kiba and Koneko made it to the top.

"AH!" Raynare throws her light spear to the ground causing a flash.

Raynare takes to the skies, flying into the tunnel Issa took.

'Shit! Shit! Shit!'

She exits the secret tunnel only to dodge a red ball by instinct. The ball explodes into the ceiling.

Raynare drives her light spear at Ria's that block with a seal.

"Don't forget about me." Akeno tease.

Raynare dodges a bolt that clashes into the seats.

She books it to the doors.

The doors burst from their hinges before flying across the room.

K wanders in with Kalawarner on his shoulder and Mittlet on his hip.

Raynare turns back. The members surrounded her.

Her breath shook before falling to her knees.

"Please. Please don't kill me. I'll do anything."

"I like for you." Rias summons her chaotic ball. "To Die."

The ball jets towards Raynare. The ball crashed into her, bursting like a firework and creating a smoke screen. The smoke settles with Raynare coward behind her hands.

Her eyes open to K looking down at her.

"Anything?"

"No! K! This is where I draw the line!" Rias voiced.

"Please. Please." She crawls up to K, clamping on his leg. "Save me." She looks up at him with gentle eyes.

"Cut the Hero crap." K voiced.

"K! You hear me!" Rias announced, approaching him. "She played with my servant's feelings! Killed her and inflicted harm on a Bystander for her gain. She deserved death like any other monsters you killed!"

"Death is not always the answer." K felt Raynare's grip tightened.

"What?! It helped keep Kuoh safe! You did it yourself!"

"I never called myself a hero. Just a teen wanting to do good."

"I can't believe this. WE! Are leaving when she's is ash or choking on her blood!"

"Rias." She only folds her arms. He sighs. "You are doing me a favor. I should do you one as well. Ask me anything but Joining your house."

"Come again?"

"You heard me, Rias. It'll help with any problem. Once."

Rias looks away quietly.

"What are you planning?"

Kalawarner and Mittelt begin to wake, seeing Raynare attach to K's leg.

K looks down at Raynare, releasing his crazy eyes once more.

"Shock. Therapy." He flashes a smile.

"YES!" K turns to Akeno's voice. She was blushing madly, smiling as she rubbed her legs together. "YES! Hurt them! Hurt them, bad! Make them beg!" She licks her finger seductively.

"Sweet Jesus."

'I'm not afraid of anyone but that thing. It scares me.'

"We have another problem." Rias continued. "Asia is a target. Among the fractions because of her twilight healing." K looks to Issa, helping Asia stand. "She will be targeted." She gazes at K.

"Asia. What do you want to do?"

"I want-I want to stay with you. You can protect me like last time." K sighs.

"I don't know, Asia. I think you should join Rias."

"W-why? I don't understand."

"Back at the house, I thought I was invincible. It gave me a reality check." K folds his arms. "I-I like you, Asia. We are like night and day, which I admire about you. Others words, I care deeply for you. And if I wasn't there. I hunt that son of a bitch."

"Language." Asia wipes the tears pouring from her eyes. "Not in the Lord's house."

"Right. Sorry, Jesus."

'Why do I feel like he said no problem?'

"Ready? Girls." K questioned the Fallen he captured. "And you try to run. I'll find you. I always do."

"K." Asia's voice. "Can you stay a little?" K smirked.

...

"What the. Hell." K said to himself, staring up at a five-star hotel.

"They sure are pulling out all the stops." Mittelt comment.

K looks over his shoulder at the three.

Raynare as Yuma. Mittelt as a tomboy, while Kalawaner as a therapist.

"Let. Go." K states, heading inside, followed by the others.

His sneakers squeaked against the polished floor. He was gaining eyes on people in the lobby.

K hits the button to the tenth floor, waiting for the elevator. He avoided the eyes of the others. He quickly headed into the elevator before smacking the button.

The door closes. Elevator music plays while Raynare, Kalawarner, and Mittelt only stare.

"What's with the stare?" K questioned.

"Well. I don't know. We're walking our dancer into our room." Mittelt remarked.

"You guys didn't tell me I wasn't wearing a shirt?"

"You looked comfortable without." Raynare voice. "I figured you do that."

"Yeah, I go to movies, do my nails, and go to a picnic to catch sun rays."

The music continued playing.

"Uh, what, are you two anyway?" K looked to Kalawarner and Millet.

"I'm just a girl. In an elevator with my captor," Millet remarked.

"Hey. I can be a smart-ass. Not you."

"I'm Akio—a tomboy everyone loves."

"You're not selling it."

"Fuck you."

"K will remember that. And you?" He raised a brow at Kalawarner, that only glared. "Noted."

"She's Dr.Hinata. A therapist." Raynare answered.

"I don't like it. Hearing from you, but I like initiative. Great work."

Raynare smirk little.

"You must train from the art of manipulation. Where did you get your diploma? The Flea Market?"

"Do you ever shut up?" Kalawarner answered.

"She answers. I got this tick in my brain where in a suitable time to get to know each one another. I continue talking til the person speaks. That part in one of your classes."

"I don't know. It sounds like you're in a different class."

Raynare and Mittelt Snickers.

"Ouch, but a well-deserved one."

The door opens. K and the Fallen walked down the clean, bright hall til stopping.

1038

K opens the door.

"K?"

"Miko?" Miko raced around the corner in a long white shirt. She hugs him while K does it back.

"I know how much you care about that house."

"Yeah. I'm not mad now. We're getting it back tomorrow."

"What? Wait, who are they?"

"I'm gotta be honest. My soon-to-be maids."

"We can't pay them."

"That's the neat part. We don't. Or what do you girls want?"

"Freedom." The three states.

"Oh. Uh. You'll get it when your good tallies surpass your war crimes."

"We have. Two queens." Miko questioned.

"I'm not. Sleeping with him." Millet remarked.

"And now you are. Let's go, snow bunny. Girls, you too."

"Ugh!" Raynare and Kalawarner groan.