Kuoh Academy, Occult Research Club.
Xenovia and Irina stood before him, wearing Kuoh Academy uniforms.
"Good evening, ladies." Abel greeted the two, then looked at Rias and Sona.
Rias and Sona were drinking black tea and eating snacks. Seeing Abel's gaze on them, they stopped.
"They have both been taken in as my and Sona's Peerage, and both are Knights."
Abel nodded, understanding.
Then he looked at the two Holy Sword wielders who had already become Devils with some regret. He had wanted to threaten Irina.
Something like this.
"Ladies, become Devils."
"What?"
"Unwilling? You wouldn't want these photos to spread, would you? Hehehe."
Irina felt a chill run down her spine for some reason.
Then she looked at Abel. "Hey, perverted Devil! What are you thinking again?"
Abel raised an eyebrow at Irina. "Of course, I'm thinking of you."
Irina's face turned red.
This... was this a confession?
Just as the innocent Irina was lost in thought, Xenovia spoke, explaining the reason for her joining the Devils.
"Because we knew God was gone, Irina and I both gave up and turned into Devils."
"Cough cough... That's right, there's a lot of darkness in the Church too, so we're not planning to go back to the Church."
"However, defecting to former enemies, I don't know if the outcome will be good or bad. In any case, both of you are Satans' sisters, so our judgment should not be wrong."
"That's right, that's how it is."
Irina and Xenovia both said with some uncertainty.
After all, transforming from Holy Sword wielders of the Church into Devils... the leap was too great.
Irina's dreams were shattered at the time. Led by Xenovia, she defected together, and by the time she reacted, the outcome was already decided.
The two prayed.
"Oh God, please... Ow ow ow!"
The two squatted on the ground, holding their heads.
Seeing this familiar scene, Abel smiled. "Alright, don't pray to God anymore, after all, you are Devils now."
"O-okay."
The two slowly recovered.
"By the way, where is Asia?"
"Why? Is something wrong?"
"We... we want to apologize to her."
"I see. You'll meet her when you go back with Rias later."
"Mm."
The simple conversation ended, so next was the welcome party for the newly joined companions.
...
Time passed bit by bit.
Seeing Akeno sitting alone, Abel went over.
"What are you thinking about?"
"N-nothing."
"Hmm? But the Akeno in my impression isn't like this."
Akeno rested her head on Abel's shoulder. The two didn't speak, quietly looking at the moon.
"Akeno."
"Hmm?"
"I have a special surprise for you."
"What is it?"
"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you, so come with me."
Abel pulled Akeno up, then shouted, "Rias, Sona, I'm taking Akeno out!"
"No problem."
And Xenovia and Irina looked at the departing Abel thoughtfully.
...
The two walked hand in hand on the road near the Himejima Clan, having teleported here.
"Abel, what surprise are you preparing for me?"
"That? It's a secret. You'll know when we get there."
"You really know how to tease a girl." Akeno hugged his arm, resting her head on his shoulder and speaking with a hint of anticipation.
Soon, they arrived at the Himejima Clan.
Looking at the place before her, the smile on Akeno's face disappeared, replaced by an unprecedented sorrow. She hadn't expected to come to this place of sorrow.
Abel noticed the change in Akeno's mood.
Yes, how could she like a place that had separated her from her mother?
Of course, if there was someone she yearned for inside, then it would be a different story.
Abel squeezed her hand and comforted her, "Don't worry, I'm here."
"Mhm." Akeno nodded, choosing to trust him.
Then, the two walked in unimpeded and headed towards the back mountain.
Below the shrine, Akeno looked up at the mountaintop, at her former home and an indescribable emotion surfaced in her heart.
"Let's go."
As they got closer to the mountaintop, Akeno's heart became more and more chaotic.
Soon, they reached the mountaintop.
She looked at the place where she had lived. There was no scene of dilapidation, but rather it was as warm as it had been back then.
She walked inside and froze in place, wanting to say something but unable to. Her eyes reddenee, followed by tears flowing out.
She saw a familiar figure chatting with Suzaku. She didn't dare to speak, she was afraid that all of this was an illusion, a misconception.
Inside the room, Shuri noticed someone looking at her. She turned her head and looked towards the door.
She saw a girl who was 90% similar to herself standing outside the door. Even after ten years, she still recognized that this was her daughter.
Her eyes were also filled with tears, and she said with a smile on her lips, "Long time no see, Akeno-chan has grown up."
It's…it's really Mom.
Akeno turned to look at Abel, her eyes full of disbelief. She hoped he would tell her that all of this was real, tell her it wasn't a dream.
Abel rubbed her head and said, "Go."
Having received the answer she wanted, Akeno slowly walked towards the shrine, then sped up, began to run, and threw herself into Shuri's arms.
A familiar scent, a familiar feeling.
It's really Mom!
"Akeno, my child, you've grown so big."
"Mom…Mom!"
The mother and daughter embraced and wept.
Suzaku, who was beside them, got up and left, closing the door behind her.
She came to Abel's side. "I wonder if my King can lend me a shoulder to lean on."
Abel nodded. "Of course."
Suzaku leaned on Abel's shoulder, her weary body finally finding peace.