The silence after the battle was almost unnatural.
The air still smelled of ozone, smoke, and blood.
The earth was scarred by explosions and mystical energy.
And among the rubble, Daniel finally fell to his knees.
His body, still covered in broken fragments of his scarlet armor, collapsed to the ground with a barely audible sigh.
The adrenaline that had sustained him vanished... and absolute exhaustion took its place.
One by one, the others fell too.
Rias and Sona, their respective entourages, Rin and Archer, Muramasa and his young Master Yuuta...
No one was left standing.
Except for one.
Tamamo no Mae.
Still panting, her body trembled from the monumental magical effort she had exerted, but her legs remained firm.
As if the will to protect Daniel had given her strength beyond her limit.
She dragged herself to him as best she could, ignoring the cuts on her arms and the dizziness threatening to make her faint.
She carefully turned him over, placing his head on her lap.
—Daniel... are you... okay? —she asked softly, with a mix of fear and tenderness.
It was then that a voice resonated within her mind.
—He's alive.
—Much tougher than he looks. He has several broken bones, internal damage, and is unconscious... but he will recover.
Tamamo blinked, surprised.
—Ddraig?
—Who else? Don't worry, little fox. This kid has more lives than a cat with armor. He just needs rest... and maybe a week without fighting, which I doubt he'll be granted.
Tamamo sighed with relief. Her shoulders, tense until then, relaxed.
Her fingers gently stroked Daniel's cheek.
—Fool... why do you always push yourself so hard? —she whispered softly.
Using the little magic she had left, she began to close the more superficial wounds.
A soft blue light enveloped the damaged parts of his body, easing the pain.
And then, the calm broke.
A portal opened a few meters away, and from it emerged the Four Maou:
Sirzechs Lucifer, Serafall Leviathan, Ajuka Beelzebub, and Falbium Asmodeus.
Their arrival was immediate and their presence, imposing.
—What in the world happened here?! —exclaimed Serafall upon seeing the battlefield.
Her gaze quickly settled on Sona, and she ran towards her with the expression of a desperate older sister.
Sirzechs, with equal seriousness, approached Rias, checking on her swiftly... though his gaze drifted towards Tamamo.
—What occurred here? —asked the Lucifer King with a firm but contained voice.
Ajuka and Falbium also observed the fallen attentively, noting that the epicenter of the combat had been brutal.
Tamamo, still tired and with Daniel in her arms, sighed.
—You didn't arrive as late as I thought... —she murmured, before lifting her gaze—. Listen well, because this is not something you want to misinterpret.
Serafall, leaving Sona under a recovery spell, approached curiously.
—Tamamo, right? You are... a servant, aren't you?
—Correct —Tamamo nodded with a tense voice—. But that's the least of it. What matters now is what we faced... and how we stopped it.
Sirzechs crossed his arms.
—Speak. We need to know everything.
Tamamo nodded and, while gently stroking Daniel's hair, began to narrate from the beginning:
—The Holy Grail was activated. Angra Mainyu, the spirit of humanity's evil, managed to manifest...
—It used a girl named Sakura Matou as a vessel.
—And Daniel, along with everyone present here, fought to stop it.
—One by one, everyone fell... and it was Daniel who, in the end, managed to expel it.
—But Angra took physical form... and even then, Daniel faced him. Alone.
The four Maou exchanged looks.
—He alone defeated a corrupted divine-class entity...? —murmured Ajuka, more impressed than skeptical.
—We couldn't even sense it clearly from Germany... but the miasma... —added Falbium.
—Yes —Tamamo nodded—. Angra Mainyu was destroyed. The Holy Grail shattered. The war... is over.
Serafall bit her lower lip.
—To think we couldn't arrive sooner... The local authorities detained us due to the incident at Einzbern Castle.
—I understand —Tamamo whispered—. But now, you must also understand something...
The Maou looked at her attentively.
—Daniel... is not a simple human. He's not just a Sacred Gear user. There is something more in him.
—And when the time comes... you will have to decide whether you are with him, or against him.
The silence grew heavy.
Sirzechs lowered his gaze to Daniel and then raised it, solemn.
—We will decide... when we hear his version. For now... let's protect them.
Ajuka nodded and began preparing magical transport circles.
Serafall hugged Sona.
Rias, half-conscious, was gently taken by Sirzechs.
And Tamamo, with Daniel still in her arms, looked at the starry sky.
—Rest, my love... the world you saved still stands —she whispered with a sad smile.
The sun barely filtered through the windows of the room decorated with the Gremory family crest.
A reverent silence filled the room, only interrupted by the soft splashing of a towel being dipped in water.
—Almost done... —murmured a soft voice.
With delicacy, Grayfia Lucifuge, dressed in her characteristic maid uniform, placed a damp towel on her young lady's forehead.
At that moment, the crimson eyes of Rias Gremory slowly opened.
—Ngh... Where... am I?
—Rias! —exclaimed Sirzechs, her older brother, dropping all his papers and approaching immediately—. You're awake!
Rias blinked, confused, as Sirzechs hugged her tightly.
—B-Brother... you're crushing me... —she said with a grimace, though not resisting.
Grayfia smiled softly.
—Welcome back, Rias-sama. You were unconscious for three days.
—Three... days? —she repeated, alarmed.
Sirzechs nodded, his expression turning more serious.
—Yes. You were part of the battle against Angra Mainyu... and according to what Tamamo told us, Daniel was the one who stopped that entity in the end.
—Daniel... —whispered Rias, her gaze turning melancholic—. And him? Is he okay?
—He hasn't woken up yet —Grayfia replied—. He's being cared for by Tamamo, who has been by his side this whole time. His condition is stable... but his body is exhausted.
Rias gripped the sheets.
A faint blush crossed her cheeks.
—That fool... saving everyone again...
In another wing of the residence, a room was adorned with flowers, stuffed animals, and... magic wands?
A figure slept peacefully in a white bed with pink blankets.
—Sona-chaaan~ Wake uuup! Your big sister is here to give you magical looove! ✨
Sona Shitori, heiress of the Sitri family, slowly opened her eyes... only to see her older sister Serafall Leviathan right above her, in an anime magical girl costume and bubbling with joy as if nothing had happened.
—What... what is this...? —Sona blinked.
—You're awake! And you're wearing the most adorable cosplay in the world! Look, it even has a cute ribbon on the waist!
Sona slowly sat up... only to realize with horror that she was, indeed, wearing a magical girl costume.
—SERAFALL.
—Yes?!~
—What part of "I won't wear ridiculous things while I'm unconscious" didn't you understand?
—But you looked so cute sleeping! And I was SO worried I had to do something cute to lift the mood... for your sake, of course!
Sona sighed, bringing a hand to her forehead.
—How long was I...?
—Three days. And you don't know what happened! Daniel turned into a super epic dragon warrior and destroyed an ancient evil god with magic, fire, and lightning everywhere! And he looked so cool!
Sona fell silent.
—...I want a less exaggerated version.
—Pfft! Go see Tamamo, she'll give you the boring version!
Sona huffed while removing the magical girl costume with dignity, though she couldn't help but glance out the window.
—Daniel... still hasn't woken up?
—No. Tamamo has been with him from the start. He's fine... he just needs rest.
Sona adjusted her glasses, serious again.
—Then... we'll go see him. I have many questions.
—And I want to hug him for saving my little sister!~
Sona didn't respond... but she smiled, just barely, at the edge of her lips.
The house that had once been in flames was now silent, healed by magic and hasty repairs.
The atmosphere, though calm, carried a subtle tension.
A single room concentrated the attention and hearts of many people.
There, lying on the main bed, was Daniel, motionless, breathing with difficulty, but alive.
By his side, tirelessly, was Tamamo no Mae, with her hair tied back, dark circles under her eyes, and a worried but always serene expression.
—Idiot... how dare you fall asleep after making me worry so much? —she whispered while passing a damp cloth over his forehead.
Every so often, she would get up to check on Hibiki, Hikari, Alya, and Sakura, all in nearby rooms, all wounded or exhausted.
Reynare, silent but constant, helped when she could with simple tasks: preparing light meals, changing bandages, keeping the house tidy.
It was a quiet routine. Until, one morning, the four girls woke up... almost at the same time.
—Where... am I? —asked Hibiki, sitting up.
—Sakura? Are you... okay? —Alya slowly turned towards the purple-haired girl.
—We're... alive —Hikari murmured, looking at her own hands.
Tamamo entered immediately, with a tired smile and an expression of relief.
—Finally! You're awake! —she exclaimed, almost with tears in her eyes.
The four looked at her with surprise and confusion.
—What... happened? —asked Sakura, barely audible.
—Angra Mainyu... Daniel defeated him. But the price was high. You all fell from the effort, and Daniel... still hasn't woken up.
The girls' expressions changed. Alya clenched her fists. Hikari and Hibiki looked at each other with fear. Sakura just lowered her head, visibly affected.
—And he... is he okay? —asked Hibiki.
Tamamo nodded gently.
—Yes. He's wounded, but stable. He just needs time.
From that moment on, they all started taking turns caring for Daniel.
Hibiki, with a chair near the bed, read books in a low voice.
Hikari adjusted his sheets and cleaned his wounds with delicacy.
Alya argued with Tamamo about how to better apply healing spells.
And Sakura... Sakura simply sat nearby, in silence, holding his hand.
Each contributed in their own way.
They all watched over him.
They all waited.
It was then that the doorbell rang.
Reynare, dressed in her apron, opened the door.
On the other side, Sirzechs Lucifer, Grayfia Lucifuge, Rias Gremory, Sona Shitori, and Serafall Leviathan were gathered.
—We've come to confirm Daniel's status —Sirzechs said formally.
—Has he already...? —Rias asked, exchanging glances with Reynare.
Reynare just sighed, stepping aside to let them pass.
—He's still unconscious.
Everyone's faces fell a little.
—We thought he would have woken up by now —Sona said in a neutral tone, but with a hint of sadness.
Serafall crossed her arms, visibly frustrated.
—Tsk! He doesn't even give us the chance to thank him properly!
Grayfia just nodded, observing everything attentively.
Sirzechs walked to the room and stopped at the door, observing Daniel, covered in bandages, surrounded by the girls caring for him.
—At least... he's alive. —he murmured.
Sona sighed.
—That's more than we could have hoped for... but it's also exactly what we all needed.
Rias, seeing Sakura asleep in a chair by the bed, murmured:
—He saved her... all of them.
The Maou and the girls stayed a moment longer, in silence, saying nothing.
Respecting the peace of that place, the calm that had been so hard-won.
Daniel did not wake up that day.
But his actions...
His decisions...
Had already begun to change everything.
Everything was white.
There was no sky.
There was no earth.
Just an infinite sea of nothingness.
Daniel was standing... or at least, he seemed to be. He couldn't fully feel his body, he only knew he was there.
—Where... am I? —he murmured.
His voice echoed in the void, as if the world itself absorbed it.
—Finally awake... though not entirely. —a familiar voice responded, deep, powerful, and serene.
From within the infinite white, a gigantic figure emerged: Ddraig, the Red Dragon Emperor, with his wings spread and eyes gleaming.
—Ddraig? What's happening? Am I dead?
The dragon laughed forcefully.
—HAHAHA! No, not yet, brat. But you were close. You're in your subconscious, a space that exists between your soul and your mind. You've been unconscious for three days... and I doubt you'll wake up soon without rest.
Daniel lowered his gaze.
—...So, what do I do here?
Ddraig leaned slightly towards him.
—Rest... or train. This place is a reflection of yourself, of your soul. You can use it to prepare, learn your limits, and overcome them. Your body is in bed, but your spirit doesn't have to stay still.
Daniel thought for a moment. Then, he took a deep breath.
—...Train, then.
Ddraig smiled broadly.
—That's what I wanted to hear. There is no time here. You can learn to use your power in new ways without your body collapsing. You'll improve your synchronization with me, strengthen your will... and perhaps that "strange power" you used in the fight, that "Haki," can also be developed here.
Daniel raised an eyebrow.
—You can feel Haki?
—I can feel what you feel. And that power is not of this world. It's yours, and it's weird. Very weird. But useful. —Ddraig gave a slight approving roar.
Daniel smiled slightly.
—Then let's begin.
Ddraig raised a claw and, with a movement, the white world began to change.
The ground solidified. Distant mountains appeared, starry skies, and a sensation of magical pressure enveloped him.
—Welcome to your inner world, Daniel. Here we will train without limits. Here, the only enemy... is yourself.
Daniel breathed deeply. He felt light, without pain, without physical limitations.
He was in his subconscious, yes...
But for the first time, he felt free to give his all.
And so, his mental training began, in a world only he could see...
While, out there, everyone waited for him with faith.
Four more days passed.
In his subconscious, Daniel trained with Ddraig, perfecting his will, his connection with the Boosted Gear, and that mysterious power of his he called "Haki."
He had mastered things he never imagined before, and though his body remained asleep, his mind was stronger than ever.
Until he felt it.
A warmth... a soft energy...
A pull drawing him away from his inner world.
—Seems it's time, kid, —Ddraig said with a calm voice— Your body calls. Awaken... and don't forget what you learned here.
Everything faded into a warm light...
And when he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Tamamo's face, with tears streaming down her cheeks.
—Daniel! —she exclaimed, her voice trembling with happiness. She waited no longer. She threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly—. I thought you wouldn't wake up!
Daniel, still in pain but conscious, raised an arm to hug her, stroking her hair tenderly.
—...Sorry for worrying you, Tama.
Tamamo cried even more, this time from relief.
At that instant, the door burst open.
—DANIEL!! —Hikari, Hibiki, Alya, and Sakura shouted in unison, entering like a storm of emotions. As soon as they saw him, they ran to hug him, enveloping him in arms, tears, kisses, and jumbled words.
—Don't ever do that again!
—You were asleep for a whole week!
—Fool, fool, fool! Thank you for coming back!
—Thank you... for saving me...
Daniel's arms barely reached to return all the affection, but he tried. He looked at them fondly, holding them close while feeling his heart fill with peace.
—Thank you for taking care of me. Truly.
And... thank you for waiting for me.
They just cried more. Not from sadness, but from love and relief.
From the kitchen entrance, Reynare watched in silence.
She pressed her lips with a bit of frustration... and jealousy. But she said nothing.
She turned, muttering:
—Idiots... all sentimental fools...
But she was already taking out ingredients, turning on the stove.
She knew he would be hungry.
And though she wouldn't say it... she was also happy to have him back.
In the room, Daniel stayed hugging the girls for a long time, in silence, surrounded by the warmth of those he loved and who loved him.
The war was over.
The monster had been defeated.
And, at last... he could rest.
Shortly after waking up and after many hugs and tears, Daniel finally managed to get up carefully, still in pain, but hungry.
He descended the stairs of his house, guided by the delicious aroma coming from the kitchen. Upon reaching the dining room, he found a well-presented and still warm dish waiting for him on the table.
—...Is this...?
—Don't get too excited —Reynare replied from the kitchen, with her back turned—. I didn't make it for you or anything. It's just that someone had to feed the patient so he wouldn't starve to death, understand?
Daniel let out a small laugh and took a seat.
—Even so... thank you, Reynare. It looks delicious.
That simple phrase was enough to make the ex-fallen angel blush to the tips of her ears. Her little wing trembled, and she turned her face just enough so they wouldn't notice the smile fighting to appear.
—Tsk... do whatever you want. But don't get used to it.
Daniel, with an honest smile, began to eat. Every bite tasted like home, and after all he'd been through, it was exactly what he needed.
Later in the afternoon, as the sun softly set over Kuoh, the doorbell rang again.
Tamamo, in her spiritual form, was already aware.
—Daniel~ your high-class fans have arrived again~.
Daniel stood up calmly, somewhat more recovered, and opened the door.
There they were: Sirzechs Lucifer, Grayfia Lucifuge, Serafall Leviathan, Rias Gremory, and Sona Shitori.
Looks of surprise weren't long in coming.
—Daniel! —exclaimed Rias, taking a step forward with shining eyes.
Sona simply lowered her head with a sigh of relief.
Sirzechs smiled, but with a seriousness that hinted at what was to come.
Serafall, for her part, bounced excitedly.
—Finally awake! My adorable little sister is going to be happy she doesn't have to take care of you dressed as a magical nurse anymore! Though I did take pictures~.
Daniel laughed softly, but then looked at Sirzechs, who took a step forward.
—Daniel, we're glad to see you well. But we need to have a serious meeting with you. Now that you're conscious... we need your version of what happened during Angra Mainyu's appearance.
Grayfia nodded silently, her elegant demeanor intact.
Daniel nodded. He knew this moment would come sooner or later.
—Of course. Let's go to the living room. I won't hide anything from you.
Tamamo appeared by his side, already in corporeal form.
—I'll be with you to complete the story —she said firmly, despite her sweet tone.
Everyone entered the living room. The atmosphere turned serious.
The war had ended, yes...
But the consequences were just beginning to be explored.
The meeting was held in a private room of the house, with Daniel at the center, seated across from Sirzechs, Serafall, Grayfia, Rias, and Sona, while Tamamo remained beside him, serene but attentive. The other girls, though present, stayed on the sidelines out of respect.
Sirzechs was the first to speak, with a calm voice:
—Daniel... first of all, thank you for protecting everyone. But we need to know exactly what happened, from your perspective.
Daniel nodded slowly. He took a deep breath and looked at everyone present seriously.
—Alright... but before I tell you what happened that night, there's something you need to know about me. It has nothing to do with Sacred Gears or magic... but with me as a person.
The atmosphere fell silent, everyone attentive.
—Before coming to Kuoh, my life was... completely normal. I lived in Mexico. I was a middle school teacher, taught history and literature. I lived alone, in a small apartment. I wasn't rich, or powerful. Just... someone trying to live an honest life. —He paused—. I was a good guy, I think... but also someone tired of the world. The corruption, injustice, pain... the things that happened every day out there made you wonder if being good was really worth it.
Tamamo lowered her gaze upon hearing the sincerity in his voice.
—Even so, I tried. I had a younger sister. I took care of her. She was my world. One afternoon, I was coming home from work and... it happened.
The silence grew heavier. Sona frowned slightly, as if imagining what was coming.
—A mugging. A guy with a gun. My sister was in the line of fire. I didn't think. I threw myself over her and... well, that was it.
Everyone was shocked. Rias lowered her gaze. Serafall clenched her fists. Grayfia said nothing, but the compassion in her eyes said it all.
—I woke up after... here. Without explanation. Without knowing what this place was, or why I was still alive. I found myself in Kuoh, without family, without friends, without purpose... until she —he looked at Tamamo with a slight smile— appeared.
Tamamo nodded, blushing, but said nothing.
—After that, things started to escalate. The Sekirei appeared, the problems, and later... Sakura. What happened with her, and with Angra Mainyu... was something that took me by surprise. I knew nothing about the supernatural world... nothing. Only when my Sacred Gear awakened and Ddraig started speaking to me did I know there was something more.
Sirzechs narrowed his eyes, observing him with greater interest.
—So everything you know... you learned here? In a short time?
—Yes. Everything has been improvised. Intuition, hunches, mistakes, and luck. —Daniel shrugged—. I'm not a soldier, nor a warrior... just someone who can't stand still watching others suffer. Even if I don't have all the answers, I do what I believe is right.
Serafall looked at him more attentively than before. Her playful expression had turned serious.
—That... sounds like someone dangerous.
Daniel let out a soft laugh.
—Only to those who harm others.
Sirzechs smiled. It was a genuine smile.
—That explains how you managed to get so far. Not because your Sacred Gear is strong... but because you are. Your will, your conviction... that's what fuels it.
Rias, with a small smile, nodded.
—I always found it curious how you could withstand so much, with so little magical training.
Sona, crossing her arms, murmured:
—A tragic story, but also admirable.
Daniel looked at each of them.
—I don't seek fame, or power. I just want to protect what I have now... and help those in need.
Tamamo moved a little closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. Daniel put his arm around her without thinking.
Sirzechs stood up and walked towards him. He looked at him intently.
—Then, Daniel... are you willing to continue on this path? Even if it becomes darker than it has been so far?
—Yes —he responded without hesitation—. Until the end.
Serafall smiled energetically, returning somewhat to her cheerful tone:
—Then I officially recognize you as an ally! Though I can't help but say it... you're very strange for a human.
—First time I've been told that —Daniel joked.
The atmosphere softened a bit. Smiles returned.
But the tension still lingered in the background. The war was over... but something told them new challenges were yet to come.